Global Climate Patterns: Not Just for El Nino Anymore

El Nino returns! These types of headlines often surface. They are meant to knock you upside the head with thoughts of extreme flooding, wildfires, and any other global climate catastrophe's that Hollywood could use as their next summer scorcher. El Nino and La Nina are swings in the ocean temperatures that in all likelihood were here before humans. Global climate patterns involve much more than the simplistic views of El Nino and La Nina often trumpeted by the media.

There are unsung heroes of global climate patterns. El Nino and La Nina are not the only players in the global oscillation teleconnection league. Some of these players can have a more dramatic affect on global climate patterns than a swing in the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Even NFL offensive lineman get shout outs now and again. So lets here it for a few other global climate players.

Arctic Oscillation

According to Wikipedia the Arctic Oscillation is "the dominant pattern of non-seasonal sea-level pressure (SLP) variations north of 20N". This oscillation is characterized by a swing between high pressure in the Polar Regions and a lower pressure in the mid-latitudes. According to the National Snow and Ice Data Center higher pressure in mid-latitudes will bring drier air to the Western U.S. and warmer air to the entire U.S. Many studies have been done that show there are complex relationships between the El Nino circulation and the Arctic circulation that further affect global climate patterns.

Antarctic Oscillation

The Antarctic Oscillation (AO) is probably the least studied of the El Nino and La Nina like oscillations that affect global climate patterns. This is due to it originating in the Southern Hemisphere where there is less land and less people. Having said this, The Climate Prediction Center does keep track of this oscillation and its' affects on global climate patterns. It's the Southern Hemispheres version of the Arctic Oscillation.

North Atlantic Oscillation

This is the second most studied global climate pattern behind only the El Nino Oscillation. It may have more affect on the climate of North America then El Nino, particularly in the winter months. One phase displays' a stronger than average subtropical high and a stronger then average low near Iceland. This will almost always cause the Eastern U.S. to have wetter and warmer than normal winters. The opposite phase brings cold and snowy winters to the East coast. The North Atlantic Oscillation is part of the Arctic Oscillation. Together they have a huge affect on global climate patterns.

Pacific North American Oscillation

This global climate pattern is a prime time player for the United States. According to NOAA's National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center it entails shifts in the intensity and location of the East Asian Jet Stream. When this jet stream gets stronger and shifts to the east we get above normal temperatures in the Western U.S. and below normal in the South. The North West will get above normal precipitation and the South below normal. The opposite is true when the jet loses intensity and shifts to the west.

Climate oscillations interact together in complex ways to shape our global climate pattern. This is a simplified overview of these global climate patterns. It takes teamwork to create something as awesome as our global climate pattern just as it does to win a Super Bowl. These oscillations other than the El Nino/La Nina are being watched and studied but do not get the same attention. This is not unlike the recognition and money the quarterback of an NFL team receives compared to the linemen. When more attention is put on these other global climate patterns they will receive more funding for research and more fame. So spread the word; global climate, it's not just for El Nino anymore!