A new type of El Nino called El Nino Modoki appeared in the news. In this context, consider the following statements:

1. Normal El Nino forms in the Central Pacific ocean whereas El Nino Modoki forms in the Eastern Pacific ocean. 

2. Normal El Nino results in diminished hurricanes in the Atlantic ocean but El Nino Modoki results in a greater number of hurricanes with greater frequency.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

The correct answer is 2 only.

Key Points

• El Nino Modoki:-
  • Modoki was a Japanese term that means The same thing but different.
  • El Nino Modoki was a new type of El Nino which formed in the Central Pacific, not in the Eastern Pacific Hence 1 is not correct.
  • It warmed the central pacific with a greater potential for making landfall along the gulf coast and coast of central America.
• Normally El Nino results in diminished hurricanes in the Atlantic ocean but El Nino Modoki results in a greater number of hurricanes with greater frequency, Hence statement 2 is correct.

Additional Information

• El Nino Effect-
  • El Nino is a climate pattern that refers to the unusual warming of surface waters in the eastern tropical pacific ocean.
  • It was first recognized by Peruvian fishermen off the Peru coast.
• Hurricanes-
  • These are large, swirling storms.
  • They produce winds of 119 km/h or higher.
  • They form over warm ocean waters.
  • It starts out as a tropical disturbance.
  • Two factors are responsible for the formation of Hurricanes-
    • Warm Ocean Waters
    • Winds that don't change much in speed or direction.