The 2011 La Nina
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Material Information

Title:
The 2011 La Nina So strong, the oceans fell
Series Title:
Geophysical Research Letters Volume 39
Creator:
Boening, Carmen
Willis, Josh K.
Landerer, Felix W.
Nerem, R. Steven
Fasullo, John
Publisher:
American Geophysical Union
Publication Date:
Language:
English

Subjects

Subjects / Keywords:
Climatic changes ( lcsh )
Pacific Ocean -- La Niña Current ( lcsh )
Tides ( lcsh )

Notes

Abstract:
Global mean sea level (GMSL) dropped by 5 mm between the beginning of 2010 and mid 2011. This drop occurred despite the background rate of rise, 3 mm per year, which dominates most of the 18-year record observed by satellite altimeters. Using a combination of satellite and in situ data, we show that the decline in ocean mass, which explains the sea level drop, coincides with an equivalent increase in terrestrial water storage, primarily over Australia, northern South America, and Southeast Asia. This temporary shift of water from the ocean to land is closely related to the transition from El Niño conditions in 2009/10 to a strong 2010/11 La Niña, which affected precipitation patterns world-wide. ( English )

Record Information

Source Institution:
Florida International University
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Host material:
The 2011 La Nina: So Strong the Oceans Fell

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Aggregations:
Sea Level Rise