La Niña phenomenon
/lɑː ˈniːnjə fɪˈnɒmɪnən/
EN
A periodic climate pattern in the Pacific Ocean characterized by lower-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific, which influences global weather systems.
The La Niña phenomenon typically brings more intense hurricane activity to the Atlantic Ocean.
The La Niña phenomenon typically brings more intense hurricane activity to the Atlantic Ocean.
Etymology
"La Niña" means "the little girl" in Spanish, named in contrast to El Niño ("the little boy"). The term was adopted as a climate science term in the late 20th century to describe this opposite ocean pattern.
Memory Aid
Remember: La Niña = cooler (starts with "c" sounds matching the first syllable of "cool"), opposite of warmer El Niño.
Collocations
strong La Niña phenomenonmoderate La Niña phenomenonLa Niña phenomenon impactsLa Niña phenomenon forecastLa Niña phenomenon event
Synonyms
La Ninacold ENSO event
Antonyms
El Niño phenomenonwarm ENSO event
Related Words
ENSOclimate patternocean temperatureweatherhurricanePacific Ocean
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