Global Weather Patterns

Global weather patterns encompass a wide range of phenomena, influenced by the Earth's atmosphere, oceans, land, and even solar activity.

Here are a few of them that we have covered in previous lessons throughout this unit.

Let's pretend for a minute that two of these weather patterns want to meet. You know, opposites attract! It turns out that El Niño and La Niña have been set up on a date. Let's see how this goes.

Okay, so maybe they won't be dating anytime soon. But at least we got to meet them. While we have discussed some of the phenomena, let’s dive into a few more that are vital to your understanding of oceanography.

El Niño is a climate pattern characterized by the warming of ocean waters in the equatorial Pacific. This disruption of the typical balance between the ocean and the atmosphere leads to dramatic changes in weather patterns across the globe.
- During El Niño events, regions like the west coast of South America often experience significant rainfall and flooding, while countries in Australia and Southeast Asia may face drought conditions.
La Niña is the counterpart to El Niño. It occurs when the equatorial Pacific experiences cooler-than-average ocean temperatures, causing a reversal of many of the weather patterns brought on by El Niño.
Tropical storms, such as hurricanes, cyclones, and typhoons, are some of Earth's most powerful natural phenomena. They originate over warm ocean waters and draw energy from the heat and moisture.

What's The point_science (1)

Global weather patterns are driven by atmospheric circulation, ocean currents, and phenomena like El Niño and La Niña. These systems influence everything from seasonal changes to the intensity and path of storms and natural disasters worldwide. Understanding these interconnected systems is crucial for predicting weather and preparing for its impacts.

UP NEXT: Severe Weather & Humans

[CC BY-NC-SA 4.0] UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED | IMAGES: LICENSED AND USED ACCORDING TO TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION - INTENDED ONLY FOR USE WITHIN THE LESSON.