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Atmospheric-Ocean Connections in the Pacific Ocean (Walker Circulation…
Atmospheric-Ocean Connections in the Pacific Ocean
Walker Circulation Cell under normal conditions
Air pressure is higher in the Eastern Pacific
Strong Southeast trade winds
Pacific warm pool on Western side of the ocean
Thermocline deeper on the Western side
Upwelling in Peru
El Niño
Disrupted Walker Circulation Cell, the Warm Phase
decrease in pressure difference
weaker trade winds
weaker upwelling in Eastern Pacific
deeper thermocline
warmer than normal seawater
lower biological productivity
Qualities of an El Niño
NorCal: warmer, drier weather patterns
SoCal: colder, wetter weather patterns
Occurrence of ENSO Events
phases usually last 12-18 months
about every 2-10 years
highly irregular
10,000 year sediment record of events
Could be a part of Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO): long-term climate change lasting 20-30 years
La Niña
Disrupted Walker Circulation Cell, the Cool Phase
increased pressure difference
stronger trade winds
stronger upwelling in the Eastern pacific
shallower thermocline
cooler than normal seawater
higher biological productivity
Qualities of a La Niña
NorCal: cooler, wetter weather patterns
SoCal: warmer, drier wetter patterns