Researchers construct a model of impact for El Nino

In summary, the researchers found that during El Niño/La Niña events, 34% of the Earth's surface is higher or lower than normal amounts of flooding.
  • #1
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Earth is changing constantly and there is still so much we don't know about it.

Researchers construct a model of impact for El Nino / La Nina events
17 hours ago by https://sciencex.com/authors/bobyirka/
Phys.org) —A small team made up of researchers from the U.S. and Europe has constructed a model that helps map parts of the world that are most at risk of flooding due to El Niño/La Niña events. In their paper published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the team describes how they compared weather data over the past half century with economic impacts of actual floods to create a model that may soon be used to help predict flooding events in the future.
By now, most everyone has heard about El Niño/La Niña weather events— El Niño is where warm water west of South America causes more rain to fall in some places. La Niña is where the same waters are cooler than normal resulting in different changes to rain patterns. Perhaps less well known is that such events have a worldwide impact, causing more flooding than normal in some parts of the world and less in others. Oftentimes the flooding that occurs results in damage to property and loss of life, thus it would be a good thing if forecasts could be made, warning people in areas most at risk. Unfortunately, up till now, such forecasts have not been available because such events don't always cause the same types of flooding in the same places. In this new effort, the researchers sought to provide a model for building such a forecasting ability by using data over a long period of time.

The research team obtained weather data for the years 1959 to 2000, pulling out periods of El Niño/La Niña weather events which they then compared with reports of damage due to flooding. Next they compared those results with flood reports during normal times and used what they found to create a model. The model showed that during El Niño events, 34 percent of the Earth's surface had higher or lower than normal amounts of flooding—that number jumped to 38 percent for La Niña weather events.
Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2014-10-impact-el-nino-la-nina.html#jCp
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/10/141021125943.htm
http://geology.com/below-sea-level/
http://www.scienceclarified.com/Di-El/Earth-Science.html
 
Earth sciences news on Phys.org
  • #3


I completely agree that there is still so much we don't know about our Earth. This research on El Niño/La Niña events is fascinating and shows the interconnectedness of our planet's systems. It's amazing to think that these weather events can have such a widespread impact on flooding around the world. I think it's important for us to continue studying and understanding these events in order to better predict and prepare for potential disasters. I also found the links provided very informative, especially the one about areas below sea level. It's a reminder of how vulnerable some parts of the world are to natural disasters and the importance of being prepared. Thank you for sharing this information!
 

1. What is El Nino?

El Nino is a natural climate pattern that occurs every few years in the Pacific Ocean, causing changes in global weather patterns.

2. How do researchers construct a model of impact for El Nino?

Researchers use various data sources, such as sea surface temperature measurements and atmospheric pressure readings, to create computer simulations that predict the effects of El Nino on weather patterns.

3. Why is it important to have a model of impact for El Nino?

Having a model of impact allows us to better understand and prepare for the potential effects of El Nino, such as droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events.

4. Can the model accurately predict the intensity and timing of El Nino?

While the model can provide valuable insights and predictions, it is not always 100% accurate as El Nino is a complex and dynamic phenomenon with many unpredictable factors.

5. How can the model of impact for El Nino be used in practical applications?

The model can aid in decision making for various industries, such as agriculture and disaster management, by providing information on potential impacts and allowing for better preparedness and mitigation strategies.

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