El Nino
“This can affect fishery production and fish spawning, particularly because rainfall and upwelling create favourable conditions for commercially important species during the monsoon,” she said, adding, “Without upwelling, food availability drops, which can ultimately lead to starvation and mortality across parts of the marine ecosystem. Himadri Saini, a researcher at University of Melbourne, said warming oceans and atmosphere are steadily changing what is considered “normal” weather. “We need to rethink what we mean by normal,” she said, adding that events once regarded as exceptional a few decades ago are becoming increasingly common in a warmer climate.
The scientists also stressed that El Niño’s influence could not be understood in isolation as climate change continues to alter global weather baselines.
The scientists said Indian Ocean’s record warmth could intensify the consequences of El Niño. Weaker winds during El Niño reduce evaporation, allowing Indian Ocean to retain more heat, according to Koll.
“The impact of such a strong El Niño on this year’s cyclone activity remains to be seen,” Koll said. Marine heatwaves can cause widespread coral bleaching, disrupt marine ecosystems and affect fish stocks. The scientists also warned that abnormally warm ocean waters might provide favourable conditions for the rapid intensification of cyclones during the Oct-Nov-Dec cyclone season.
Pune: A powerful El Niño developing over Pacific and expected to intensify further could significantly influence India’s weather in the coming months, affecting the northeast monsoon, winter conditions and the Oct-Dec cyclone season, scientists warned on Wednesday.