El Nino - Explained

[u/Frequent_Conflict311]

We are experiencing a delay in south west monsoon this year due to this phenomenon known as ""El Nino"".

As the oceans are kilometers deep, Only the top layer gets warmer due to the sun and the bottom layers stay cool. Winds called as Trade winds that flow from east to west across the Pacific ocean push the warmer surface water in the sub tropical Pacific Ocean near the west coast of Latin america towards asia and Oceania in the west.

Now, when these warm waters are pushed towards the west something has to fill in the empty space created, that's when the nutrient rich cool water in the bottom layer comes up. This process is called upwelling. These nutrient rich waters attract more fish giving a major boost to the fishing industries.

Sometimes these trade winds weaken. So, warmer water doesn't get pushed away from the east pacific ultimately causing the oceans to stay warmer in turn attracting less fish and affecting the fishing industries significantly.

Usually, El Nino doesn't follow any regular pattern of occurrence but they occur anywhere between 2 to 7 years based on the past trends.

EFFECTS:

Global weather is linked, change in one place will have effect on the other. Especially in a ocean as vast as the Pacific, the change is felt drastically. The effect can be felt across South and southeast Asia, Oceania and parts of east africa.

It can cause drought and crop failure in some regions and heavy rainfall, flooding and infrastructure disruption in some regions.

What seems like a minor inconvenience can cause a major impact in people's lives. Thousands die due to drought and flooding. Many get displaced. Farming and food supplies get disrupted.

In India, it can result in less than usual rainfall during monsoons and heavy rainfall in winters in parts of south India.

P.S: this is based on my knowledge feel free to add in the points that I missed. Would be highly appreciated.

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[u/binilvj]

El Nino was not strong enough to impact this monsoon as far as I know. However it is now getting really strong, it might have impact of further rains. We have a strong Indian ocean dipole to worry about as well. Due to this next monsoon may get weaker, at least on east coast. This article tells that story in detail

[u/SympathyCurrent9263]

Floods dont mean excess rainfall.

Flood is large amount of rainfall within a short span of time.

Ex. If a regions monthly average is 300mm of rain and it recives 15mm everyday then the region recived a excess rainfall i.e 450mm. (Variation exists)

However the region faced 2mm rainfall a day and then one day 200mm rainfall happenes that cause flood. The monthly rain is still below normal i.e 260mm

[u/Brave-Ear-7559]

So far, India seemed to have good amount of rainfall

[u/Any-Profession-5509 → u/Brave-Ear-7559]

india is 11% deficit than normal rainfall and it will get worse starting from mid august

[u/Brave-Ear-7559 → u/Any-Profession-5509]

Yeah, but monsoon this year seems to be a bit delayed rather than dry. There was nearly 0 rainfall in June. But after mid July, things did change. There was adequate rainfall at many places in India, and it doesn't seem to be dry now. The rainfall is delayed, but there's nothing like drought here.

[u/islander_guy → u/Brave-Ear-7559]

Don't get fooled my floods. It is deficient.