제 16 호 Cold Wave This Winter: La Nina Phenomenon
Kicker: SCIENCE
Cold Wave This Winter: La Nina Phenomenon
by Ji-Min Baek, Reporter
A strong cold wave is expected this winter with drought. It is speculated that this is due to the La Nina phenomenon. In particular, La Nina is drawing more attention this year because La Nina, which usually disappears in one to two years, has continued for three consecutive years. The World Meteorological Organization(WMO) said that La Nina was the first of its kind this century for the third consecutive year in a row. This year’s first cold wave warning was issued on October 17th, with La Nina conditions expected to continue until the end of this year.
About the La Nina Phenomenon and Triple Dip
La Nina is a phenomenon that lasts for more than a certain period of time, with surface of the sea temperatures lower than usual in areas ranging from the Tropical Mid-Pacific to the South American Coast. In other words, when La Nina comes, the water temperature on the coast is lower than usual, and La Nina means a girl in Spanish. When La Nina occurs, the temperature becomes low and dry from November to February. This La Nina is known to intensify drought in autumn and winter and induce cold waves in Korea. La Nina is a natural phenomenon in which surface of the sea temperatures cool on a large scale. As a result, weather patterns around the world are also changed. Korea expects to remain in the state of La Nina this winter, which is the third consecutive year that La Nina has stayed. In response, scientists call it a triple dip and it is the first time this century that this has happened. When La Nina occurs, low-pressure deviation develops in southeastern Japan, and cold and dry air from the northern wind system flows into Korea.
The Prospect of a Dry Winter
The Korea Meteorological Administration predicted that precipitation would be insufficient this winter compared to the average year due to dry air introduced due to La Nina’s continued analysis of surface of the sea temperatures and moving air pressure zones. As a result, the drought in the southern part of Korea is particularly serious. In response, the Korea Meteorological Administration said, “The southern part of this winter is expected to continue due to low rainfall, so we need to thoroughly prepare for drought in our daily lives.”
La Nina is a natural phenomenon, but La Nina is a continuous triple dip, and the WMO and others consider it to be relevant to climate change. In particular, there have been numerous climate changes events this year. Floods and droughts have caused disasters all over the world, and also in Korea. La Nina is expected to continue for the time being, so we should also prepare for the upcoming winter cold wave and dryness.
Sources:
http://www.munhwa.com/news/view.html?no=2022102601032509043002
http://www.kwangju.co.kr/article.php?aid=1668944400745778006
https://www.bbc.com/weather/features/62890361
http://www.jbsori.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=10035