El Nino (means Little Boy/Christ Child in Spanish) refers to an abnormal warming of surface waters in equatorial Pacific Ocean. It is known to suppress monsoon rainfall. El Nino phenomenon was first noticed by the scientists in the 1920s, though local populations in Peru and Ecuador were aware of the periodic warming much earlier.
How it affects the monsoon?
It causes the weakening of walker circulation, which disrupts the normal flow of air and moisture.
The warm waters of the Pacific Ocean during El Nino shift the Walker circulation, altering the pressure systems and wind patterns over the Indian Ocean.
This disrupts the normal monsoon flow and can lead to below-average rainfall.
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