RE: ITCZ
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The precipitation anomalies over the tropical oceans during each phase of ENSO reflect the impacts of ENSO on the ITCZ. Generally, the precipitation patterns during El Nino reflect a southward shift of the ITCZ in the western Pacific, whereas La Nina causes a northward shift. We see the most dramatic changes during extreme El Nino events, when the ITCZ swings south to the equator.