La Niña is a climate phenomenon that is part of the broader El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle. It is characterized by cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. During a La Niña event, the atmospheric circulation patterns are altered, leading to distinct climate impacts globally. These effects often include increased rainfall in some regions, such as the western Pacific, and drier conditions in others, like the southwestern United States. La Niña is associated with an increased likelihood of more active hurricane seasons in the Atlantic and a higher probability of droughts and wildfires in certain areas. It operates in contrast to El Niño, which is marked by warmer sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific. Understanding and monitoring La Niña events are crucial for anticipating and managing the associated climate impacts on agriculture, water resources, and ecosystems.
La Niña
La Niña is a climate phenomenon characterized by cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. It is part of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle and leads to altered atmospheric circulation patterns, influencing global climate. La Niña events are associated with effects such as increased rainfall in some regions and drier conditions in others, impacting weather patterns, agriculture, and ecosystems.
