The Walker Circulation is a crucial component of the Earth's atmospheric circulation, particularly over the tropical Pacific Ocean. It describes the east-west circulation of air masses driven by differences in air pressure across the Pacific.
Normal Conditions
High Pressure in Eastern Pacific: High pressure dominates the eastern Pacific Ocean, while low pressure prevails over the western Pacific.
Trade Winds: Strong easterly trade winds blow from east to west across the Pacific, pushing warm surface water towards the west.
Upwelling: The trade winds also drive upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich water along the coast of South America.
El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO)
Weakening of Walker Circulation: During El Niño, the Walker Circulation weakens, leading to a reduction in trade winds and a weakening of upwelling along the South American coast.
Impacts on Weather Patterns: These changes significantly impact weather patterns across the globe, leading to warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the eastern Pacific and altered rainfall patterns.
Importance of Walker Circulation
Plays a crucial role in regulating global climate.
Influences weather patterns in many parts of the world.
Understanding the Walker Circulation is essential for predicting and understanding the impacts of El Niño and La Niña events.
We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. By continuing to browse, you agree to our use of cookies. Please review our
Privacy Policy and
Terms of Use for more information.
Stay focused & Stay away from distractions
At Studento, we make sure you always remain focused on your studies
