La Niña - Science term 2

La Niña flashcards for validation

How long does La Niña last for?

4-6 months

How long does a full cycle lasts for?

4-7 years

What is La Niña?

Cooling of ocean surface along west coast of South America

Step 1 of La Niña?

Trade winds blow more strongly across pacific

Step 2 of La Niña?

Cold water flows west along equator and heated by the sun

Step 3 of La Niña?

Warm water pools along North-East Australia

Step 4 of La Niña?

More moist air in Eastern Australia which evaporates and rises which cools and condensates. Rains if cool enough

Step 5 of La Niña?

Leeuwin current is supercharged and pushed towards Western Australia

Step 6 of La Niña?

Peruvian current upwells more cold water from Antartica to Australia

Effects on Eastern Australia

More floods, Tropical cyclones, Monsoons, mosquito borne diseases increase, good for some agriculture

Effects on Western Australia

Stronger current brings Western Rock lobster, and warmer temperatures causes coral bleaching

Effects on Americas

Droughts, more upwelling of nutrients, more money in commercial fishing, poor agriculture