The Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) is a major natural oscillation that affects resident climate conditions along the Pacific Ocean. This climate system influences ocean circulation and coastal climate conditions and is particularly important for the North Pacific region. It is important to understand how this affects climate changes.
Pacific Decadal Oscillation
The Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) is a natural oscillation associated with the Pacific Ocean. It is named “decadal” because its effect varies over the Pacific Ocean over three to four decades (10–15 years). Its exact origin is not yet completely clear, but its main cause is sea surface warming. And there is a change in the temperature change between the cold and the cold.
Comes in major phases: positive phase and negative phase. When the PDO is in the positive phase, the western part of the Pacific Ocean experiences a warm climate, while in the negative phase the region becomes cooler. This change of phases occurs over a period of a few decades and has an impact on the climatic conditions of the entire world.
Effects of positive phase:
- Increase of heat in the North Pacific: In the positive phase of PDO, the temperature increases in the North Pacific region. Due to which marine life and human life are affected.
- More snowfall: This phase promotes marine snowfall, which provides water supply during summer.
- Unnatural rainfall: Positive PDO may cause unnatural rainfall in the North Pacific region, due to which water supply can be affected.
- Climate change: This phase affects climate changes, such as floods and storms etc.
- Changes in the family of marine life: In the positive phase of PDO, there may be changes in the family of marine life, which may impact the food resources for humans.
Effects of negative phase:
- Coldness in the North Pacific: When there is a negative phase of PDO, there is a decrease in temperatures in the North Pacific, causing a greater than normal cooling effect.
- Drought: Drought can occur in areas of the Pacific Ocean, which can be affected by adverse weather and climatic conditions.
Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) vs El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO)
The Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) and the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) are both associated with the Pacific Ocean, but reflect different types of climate systems:
- PDO (Pacific Decadal Oscillation): PDO affects ocean temperature and cyclonic motions and varies over a period of three-four decades (10-15 years). In the positive phase of the PDO, heat increases and climate conditions change in the North Pacific.
- ENSO (El Nino Southern Oscillation): ENSO is a short-lived climate system characterized by sudden changes in Pacific Ocean temperatures as well as conditions that affect marine life and climate. ENSO is a short-term oscillation and its effect lasts only for a few months.
Comparison of PDO and ENSO
PDO and ENSO are both important natural oscillations, but they have some key differences:
- Region: ENSO affects the Pacific region, while PDO affects its western part.
- Dwelling climate zone: The ENSO field affects warm and cold climate zones, while the PDO affects the dwelling climate zone.
- Time: ENSO oscillations occur over a few months, while PDO oscillations occur over decades.
Conclusion
The PDO is an important natural oscillation that has significance in the context of climate changes. It helps scientists understand climate change and how it can affect agriculture, vegetation, and marine life. By understanding the impacts of the positive and negative phases of PDO, we can move towards better policies regarding ocean and climate changes.
