Lesson 10: El Nino La nina

physical ocean properties affected by an el nino

warm surface layer thickens in east pacific → travels poleward to west coast of NA and SA

thermocline shallows (nearer surface) in central and west pacific deeper in east → west to east slope up of thermocline reduces (can flatten)

sea level height higher than normal in east pacific → dec slope in ocean surface height

ENSO affect on coastal upwelling

thermocline deepens in east (where coastal upwelling occurs); upwelled water is from above thermocline = warm water and nutrient lacking

ENSO affect on equatorial upwelling

SE trade weakens = weakened equatorial upwelling

La Nina ocean properties affected

cooler east and central regions (WPWP pushed back)

sea level height lowers in east pacific

warm surface layer in central and eastern pacific thins → shallows thermocline → near surface in strong ones

thermocline west to east slope steepens

sea level higher than normal in eastern pacific