Pacific Ocean cleared of El Nino Conditions: NOAA

Why is it in the news?

The National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) confirmed the end of El Nino conditions that have been present since mid-2023.
These conditions have now transitioned to the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) neutral phase.

ENSO

ENSO is a recurring climate pattern characterized by changes in sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.
The cycle occurs irregularly every 2 to 7 years.
It includes extreme phases: El Nino (warm phase), La Nina (cold phase), and a neutral phase between them.
During ENSO Neutral Phase, sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific are near average.

About El Nino

· El Nino, meaning “the Christ Child,” involves warming of ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.

Key Impacts:

· Suppresses rainfall over India during the monsoon season.

· Brings rain to South America and results in droughts in Indonesia and Australia.

About La Nina

· La Nina, referring to “Little Girl,” represents the periodic cooling of ocean surface temperatures in the east-central equatorial Pacific.

Key Impacts:

· Opposite effect to El Nino, associated with a strong monsoon, above-average rains, and colder winters in certain regions.

AMIGOS IAS