La Niña
Definition
La Niña is a climate pattern that occurs when the surface waters of the Pacific Ocean become unusually cool, leading to changes in weather patterns around the world.
Analogy
Think of La Niña as an icy blast from Antarctica spreading across the Pacific Ocean. The cold waters disrupt normal weather patterns and bring about different climatic conditions globally.
Related terms
El Niño: El Niño is the opposite of La Niña, where the surface waters of the Pacific Ocean become unusually warm. This can also lead to changes in weather patterns.
Thermocline: The thermocline refers to a layer in large bodies of water where there is a rapid change in temperature with depth. It plays a role in ocean circulation and affects marine life distribution.
ENSO (El Niño-Southern Oscillation): ENSO refers to both El Nino and La Nina events collectively. It describes the interaction between the ocean and atmosphere in the tropical Pacific, influencing global weather patterns.
"La Niña" appears in:
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Practice Questions (6)
How does La Niña differ from El Niño?
What are the environmental impacts of El Niño and La Niña?
What are the typical impacts of La Niña on the southeastern United States?
What is the primary cause of El Niño and La Niña events?
Which of the following statements is true about El Niño and La Niña?
What environmental impacts can be caused by El Niño and La Niña?
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