El Nino and La Nina can be monitored using several indicators that are derived f
ID: 117970 • Letter: E
Question
El Nino and La Nina can be monitored using several indicators that are derived from observations of the atmosphere and ocean in the tropical Pacific. As we have seen, El Nino and La Nina episodes give rise to substantial anomalies in the surface pressure along the equator between the central and western Pacific Ocean. The amplitude of these pressure changes can be quantified using the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) which is the normalized difference between the standardized pressure anomalies measured at Tahiti and Darwin. Another way to monitor El Nino and La Nina is to observe the sea surface temperature (SST). Temperature anomalies averaged over the region 170°W-120°W, 5°S-5°N yield the so-called “Nino3.4 index.” This is a region characterized by significant variations in SST during El Nino and La Nina episodes.
(a) Explain in your own words why there exists a surface temperature gradient along the equator in the Pacific Ocean under normal conditions. This answer should start with a discussion about the gradient in atmospheric pressure at the surface between Tahiti and Darwin, Australia, and proceed through steps to the temperature gradient.
(b) Explain in your own words the changes to surface temperature in the Nino3.4 region when the surface pressure gradient between Tahiti and Darwin, Australia, is stronger than normal and weaker than normal. During El Nino conditions, what happens to the surface pressure gradient and to the Nino3.4 index relative to normal conditions?
Answer BOTH questions above please and give as many detals as possible. Thank you for your help.
Explanation / Answer
Answer:
EL nino is the warm belt of equatorial oceans with cycle of cold and warm ocean currents measured by sea surface temperature. This change in temperature due to variation in pressure gradient.
Surface pressure gradient develops due to the difference in trade wind pressure.
Related Questions
drjack9650@gmail.com
Navigate
Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.