Upwelling, Downwelling, El Niño, and Indian Ocean Dipole

These flashcards cover key concepts related to marine processes such as upwelling and downwelling, climatic phenomena like El Niño and La Niña, as well as the Indian Ocean Dipole and jet streams.

What is upwelling?

A process where deeper, colder, nutrient-rich water rises to the surface to replace water pushed away by winds.

What occurs during downwelling?

Surface water accumulates along a coastline due to wind, then sinks toward the bottom.

What influences the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO)?

The interaction between the atmosphere and ocean in the tropical Pacific.

What is the condition of sea surface temperatures during a La Niña?

La Niña is characterized by unusually cold ocean temperatures in the equatorial Pacific.

How does El Niño affect weather patterns?

It typically causes droughts in Australia and floods in Peru.

What happens during a neutral phase of the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)?

The eastern Indian Ocean is warmer, affecting circulation and rainfall patterns.

What characterizes the positive phase of the Indian Ocean Dipole?

Increased rainfall in India and warmer than normal conditions in the western Indian Ocean.

How does the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) affect Indian monsoons?

The convective phase of MJO can lead to higher rainfall during the monsoon season in India.

What are jet streams?

Relatively narrow bands of strong wind in the upper levels of the atmosphere that blow from west to east.

What is the significance of the Walker Circulation?

It helps in understanding the trade winds and oceanic conditions in relation to ENSO phenomena.