Weather agencies are tracking a supposed ‘super’ El Niño
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Climate change & international agreements· Prelims·
Climate variability and its impact on Indian monsoon: a key GS3 Environment and Ecology topic.
Why in news
Weather agencies are tracking a 'super' El Niño event where Pacific Ocean surface waters off Peru and Ecuador rose 2 °C above average, potentially causing intense localized rainfall in coastal Tamil Nadu.
Background
The 'super' El Niño is characterized by a 2 °C rise in surface water temperatures off the western coast of Peru and Ecuador, significantly higher than the typical 0.5 °C rise. While India usually faces rainfall deficits during El Niño cycles, this specific event may cause intense rainfall in coastal Tamil Nadu due to increased evaporation in the Bay of Bengal.
Facts for Prelims
- FactSuper El Niño temperature rise: 2 °C above average (compared to typical 0.5 °C).
- PlaceLocation of temperature rise: Western coast of Peru and Ecuador.
- PlaceImpact zone in India: Coastal Tamil Nadu.
- S&TMechanism: Increased evaporation in the Bay of Bengal leading to localized rainfall.
Prelims practice question
With reference to the 'super' El Niño event, consider the following statements:
- A super El Niño is characterized by a 2 °C rise in Pacific Ocean surface waters.
- Coastal Tamil Nadu usually faces rainfall deficits during these cycles.
- Typical El Niño cycles involve a 2 °C rise in surface waters.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)1 only
- (b)1 and 2 only
- (c)1 and 3 only
- (d)2 and 3 only
Show answer
Answer: (a) 1 only — Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect: Coastal Tamil Nadu may face intense localized rainfall. Statement 3 is incorrect: Typical El Niño involves a 0.5 °C rise.
For Mains
Q. Discuss how extreme climate phenomena like 'super' El Niño pose challenges to India's agricultural stability and disaster management frameworks.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Hydrological variability: Shift from national rainfall deficits to localized extreme precipitation events
- Agricultural risk: Impact of erratic monsoon patterns on crop yields and food security
- Infrastructure stress: Need for climate-resilient drainage in coastal regions facing intense localized rainfall
Keywords: El Niño · Climate Variability · Bay of Bengal · Localized Rainfall · Climate Resilience
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.