Question
How does El Nino influence atmospheric $\text{CO}_2$ levels?
The correct answer is
$\text{CO}_2$ decreases due to weakening of equatorial upwelling
El Niño: Atmospheric CO2 Link
El Niño is a climate pattern impacting global weather. Its effect on atmospheric carbon dioxide ($\text{CO}_2$) involves ocean-atmosphere interactions.
Upwelling Mechanism and CO2 Decrease
Option B connects a decrease in atmospheric $\text{CO}_2$ to the weakening of equatorial upwelling during El Niño.
- Equatorial Upwelling: Normally driven by trade winds, this process brings deep, $\text{CO}_2$-rich ocean water to the surface.
- Surface Gas Exchange: The surface water releases dissolved $\text{CO}_2$ into the atmosphere.
- El Niño Weakens Upwelling: During El Niño, weakening trade winds reduce this upwelling.
- Reduced CO2 Flux: Less $\text{CO}_2$-rich deep water reaches the surface, decreasing the $\text{CO}_2$ release into the atmosphere.
- Result: This specific mechanism leads to lower atmospheric $\text{CO}_2$ levels.
Therefore, the weakening of equatorial upwelling during El Niño is presented as a cause for decreased atmospheric $\text{CO}_2$.
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Important Questions from Enso and Ocean-Atmosphere
- Which of the following is NOT a dominantly interannual phenomenon?
- Which one of the following has a positive correlation with the NINO3 INDEX, which represents ENSO variability?
- Which one of the following anomalous features is NOT associated with the El Nino?
- El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is an
ENSO is an
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