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Home / IAS Preparation / El Nino Effect

El Nino Effect - Definition, Occurrence, Effects, Government Response, and More!

Last Updated on Jan 15, 2024
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El Nino is a climatic phenomenon that represents the abnormal warming of the surface waters in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. It is a complicated meteorological phenomenon brought on by variations in water temperatures in the Pacific region near the equator. It is known as the warm phase of “El Nino-Southern Oscillation” (ENSO). Its occurrences can last up to a year, but they often last nine to ten months. 

Occurrence of El Nino

El Nino is caused by the warm water accumulation in the eastern Pacific near the equator, and as a result of the atmosphere being warmed by the warm water surface, rainstorms can form when moist air rises. The warm water accumulation causes the warm currents known as El Nino.

  • The surface water in the equatorial Pacific warms up more than usual, and east winds blow less forcefully than usual, creating an El Nino scenario.
  • The typical low-pressure system in the western Pacific is replaced by a weak high.
  • This change in pressure pattern reduces weak Walker Cell trade winds. This decline enables the equatorial countercurrent (current across the doldrums) to accumulate warm ocean water along the Peruvian and Ecuadorian coasts.
  • The thermocline in the eastern Pacific Ocean descends due to the warm water concentration, stopping the upwelling of cold, deep ocean water close to Peru’s coast.

Check the full Article on the ENSO Cycle here!

El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO Cycle)

The El Nino-Southern Oscillation, or “ENSO Cycle,” is a cyclical climate pattern that occurs periodically over the tropical Pacific. The tropical Indian ocean often has low pressure, while the tropical south Pacific ocean sees high pressure. These pressure conditions can, however, be reversed, and this cyclical change in pressure conditions is known as the Southern Oscillation.

Every two to seven years, the cycle reverts and forth erratically, and each phase causes predictable changes in temperature and precipitation. Large-scale air movements in the tropics are disrupted by these changes. The El Nino phenomenon is related to these fluctuations in pressure conditions that are forming in the Pacific and Indian seas.

The ENSO cycle has three phases: El Nino, La Nina, and ENSO-neutral.

Major Causes of El Nino

El Nino is caused by the warm water accumulation in the eastern Pacific near the equator, and as a result of the atmosphere being warmed by the warm water surface, rainstorms can form when moist air rises. The warm water accumulation causes the warm currents known as El Nino.

  • The surface water in the equatorial Pacific warms up more than usual, and east winds blow less forcefully than usual, creating an El Nino scenario.
  • The typical low-pressure system in the western Pacific is replaced by a weak high.
  • This change in pressure pattern reduces weak Walker Cell trade winds. This decline enables the equatorial countercurrent (current across the doldrums) to accumulate warm ocean water along the Peruvian and Ecuadorian coasts.
  • The thermocline in the eastern Pacific Ocean descends due to the warm water concentration, stopping the upwelling of cold, deep ocean water close to Peru’s coast.

How is El Nino Measured?

Various technologies are used by scientists, governments, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to measure and gather data on El Nino. Through variations in temperature, oceanic current, trade winds, etc El- Nino is measured. The technologies used for measuring El-Nino are Buoys and Oceanic Nino Index (ONI).

Buoys

  • A buoy is a type of floating object that ships use to locate or alert them when they are in the middle of the ocean. They typically have vibrant colours, and the buoys track the currents, winds, humidity, and temperatures of the water and the atmosphere.
  • The buoys regularly give data to researchers and forecasters all across the world, enabling scientists to more accurately predict El Nino and trace its progress and impact on the planet.

Oceanic Nino Index (ONI)

  • The Oceanic Nino Index is an instrument for determining deviations from average sea surface temperatures.
  • It is the main technique for identifying, evaluating, and forecasting each El Nino episode, which measures the divergence from normal sea surface temperature in the east-central Pacific Ocean.
  • If sea surface temperature increases more than 0.9° Fahrenheit for at least five consecutive seasons, then it is a sign of an El Nino event.

Learn more about the Mechanism of the Indian Monsoon!

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El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO Cycle)

The El Nino-Southern Oscillation, or “ENSO Cycle,” is a cyclical climate pattern that occurs periodically over the tropical Pacific. The tropical Indian ocean often has low pressure, while the tropical south Pacific ocean sees high pressure. These pressure conditions can, however, be reversed, and this cyclical change in pressure conditions is known as the Southern Oscillation.

Every two to seven years, the cycle reverts and forth erratically, and each phase causes predictable changes in temperature and precipitation. Large-scale air movements in the tropics are disrupted by these changes. The El Nino phenomenon is related to these fluctuations in pressure conditions that are forming in the Pacific and Indian seas.

The ENSO cycle has three phases: El Nino, La Nina, and ENSO-neutral.

How is El Nino Measured?

Various technologies are used by scientists, governments, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to measure and gather data on El Nino. Through variations in temperature, oceanic current, trade winds, etc El- Nino is measured. The technologies used for measuring El-Nino are Buoys and Oceanic Nino Index (ONI).

Buoys

  • A buoy is a type of floating object that ships use to locate or alert them when they are in the middle of the ocean. They typically have vibrant colours, and the buoys track the currents, winds, humidity, and temperatures of the water and the atmosphere.
  • The buoys regularly give data to researchers and forecasters all across the world, enabling scientists to more accurately predict El Nino and trace its progress and impact on the planet.

Oceanic Nino Index (ONI)

  • The Oceanic Nino Index is an instrument for determining deviations from average sea surface temperatures.
  • It is the main technique for identifying, evaluating, and forecasting each El Nino episode, which measures the divergence from normal sea surface temperature in the east-central Pacific Ocean.
  • If sea surface temperature increases more than 0.9° Fahrenheit for at least five consecutive seasons, then it is a sign of an El Nino event.

Learn more about the Mechanism of the Indian Monsoon!

Effects of El Nino
  • El Nino brings warmer temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns worldwide. It can cause droughts in some regions, leading to water shortages and crop failures.
  • El Nino disrupts marine ecosystems, affecting fish populations. It can lead to the decline of fish stocks and impact the livelihoods of fishermen.
  • El Nino can cause a shift in rainfall patterns. This results in droughts in normally wet areas and increased rainfall in dry regions. This can have significant consequences for agriculture, water supply, and the overall ecosystem.
  • El Nino can contribute to the formation of severe weather events such as hurricanes, cyclones, and storms. These events can cause widespread damage to infrastructure, property, and loss of life.
  • El Nino affects the global climate by influencing atmospheric circulation patterns. It can lead to changes in temperature, wind patterns, and precipitation on a global scale.
  • The effects of El Nino can have significant economic implications.
    • Agriculture, fisheries, and other industries dependent on weather patterns can suffer losses.
    • The costs of addressing and recovering from extreme weather events can also be substantial.
  • El Nino can impact public health by affecting the spread of diseases. Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can create favorable conditions for the proliferation of disease vectors like mosquitoes.
  • El Nino can disrupt ecosystems and have negative consequences for biodiversity. Changes in temperature and precipitation can affect the distribution and abundance of species. This leads to shifts in ecosystems.
  • The impacts of El Nino can result in social and humanitarian crises. Droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events can cause displacement of populations, food insecurity, and increased vulnerability.

Read the Article Pressure Belts of the Earth here!

Effects of El Nino in India

  • The El Nino effect in India is mostly negative as the Indian monsoon and El Nino are inverse to one another. It weakens the monsoon and causes monsoon failure many times.
  • The first major El Nino effect is lesser rainfall. The average precipitation in India is 120 cm, but during El Nino year, it reduced drastically.
  • El Nino droughts have caused six of India’s most notable droughts since 1871, including the most recent ones in 2002 and 2009.
  • In India, rain-fed agriculture covers about 50% of the land area under cultivation, and a good southwest summer monsoon is essential for Indian crops. The failure of the monsoons causes water shortages and below-average crop harvests in several areas of India due to the El Nino effect.
  • Major drought-prone areas like Maharashtra, northern Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Gujarat, and Rajasthan face the El Nino effect.
  • With monsoon failure, India faces high inflation and slow GDP growth.
  • Weak monsoons also contribute to lower hydropower dam power generation, which results in even lower electricity for irrigation needs. The crop yield is further decreased by this.
  • However, not every El Nino year affects India. For instance, even though the years 1997 and 1998 were notable El Nino years, there was no drought.

Also, read Causes of Tsunami here for UPSC Geography Preparation.

Government Response Towards El Nino

The Government of India's responses towards El Niño include:

  • Monitoring and Early Warning Systems: The government closely monitors El Niño through meteorological agencies and institutes, issuing early warnings to affected regions.
  • Drought Management: During El Niño-induced droughts, the government implements water conservation measures, provides drought relief assistance, and coordinates with states to ensure adequate water supply.
  • Agricultural Support: The government offers financial assistance, crop insurance, and relief packages to farmers impacted by El Niño's adverse effects on agriculture.
  • Food Security Measures: Strategic food reserves are managed to mitigate potential food shortages caused by El Niño's impact on crop yields.
  • Public Awareness and Communication: The government conducts awareness campaigns to educate the public about El Niño's implications and advises precautionary measures.
  • Climate Change Adaptation: El Niño's recurrent nature has led the government to emphasize climate change adaptation and resilience-building strategies.
  • Collaborative International Efforts: India participates in international forums and collaborations to address the global implications of El Niño and share experiences and knowledge.

Learn more about the Climatic regions!

History of El Nino Events

For the last 300 years, ENSO conditions have occurred every two to seven years, but the majority of them have been weak.

Year

Impact of El Nino

1789-1793

Possible contribution to Europe's poor crop harvests and the French Revolution.

1876-1877

Caused the deadliest famines of the 19th century, including the northern China famine, leading to up to 13 million deaths.

1892

The term "El Nino" was coined by Peruvian sailors, describing the warm, south-flowing current observed around Christmas.

1982-1983

Significant El Nino effects gained increased attention in the scientific community.

1997-1998

El Nino raised air temperatures by 1.5 °C, and it severely impacted 16% of the world's reef systems, leading to mass mortality.

These year’s events resulted in persistent drought conditions in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. In California and Peru, there have been reports of flooding and heavy rain.

Learn more about the Climate of India!

Conclusion

El Nino results in a significant reduction in the regular upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich deep ocean water. Typically beginning around Christmas and lasting a few weeks to a few months. Over the past 50 years, El Nino has occurred more frequently, and it has caused significant changes in the global climate. It delivers drought, temperature changes, and rain to many locations and has caused greater harm in the Pacific Ocean region. Since it occurs at random, it doesn’t give any indication of it.

Download the El-Nino PDF For the UPSC Exam here!

We hope that all your doubts regarding El Nino will be cleared after going through this article. You can download the Testbook App now to check out various other topics relevant to the UPSC IAS Exam.

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FAQs

El Nino effect takes place in surface waters of the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, in climate patterns, and across the globe. It affects the atmosphere and trade winds.

The last El Niño occurrence was in 2018-19. El Nino occurrences have been recorded since 2000 in the years 2002–03, 2004–05, 2006–07, 2009–10, 2014–16, and 2018–19.

The term "El Nino" describes the irregularly occurring, above-average sea surface temperatures in the eastern and central equatorial Pacific. The ENSO cycle's warm phase is represented by it. La Nina is the term used to describe the recurring cooling of sea surface temperatures in the eastern central equatorial Pacific.

El Nino is a warm oceanic current. It represents the warmer phase of ENSO.

An El Nino occurs when east winds blow less forcefully than usual and surface water in the equatorial Pacific warms up more than usual. El Nino normally happens every three to five years.

El Niño affects India in multiple ways. It generates a weak drought-like scenario in the Indian subcontinent, raises the sea's surface temperature, interferes with the monsoon winds in the Indian Ocean, and other factors. According to estimates, El Nino has accompanied droughts in India 60% of the time over the past 130 years.
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