Free Response Questions (College Board AP® Environmental Science): Exam Questions

El Niño and La Niña are climate phenomena that impact global weather patterns by altering ocean currents and atmospheric circulation.

These events can cause extreme weather conditions, such as droughts, floods, and hurricanes, affecting both natural ecosystems and human populations.

The graph below illustrates global temperature anomalies caused by El Niño and La Niña conditions.

Describe how sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean change during an El Niño event.

Explain how the change in ocean temperatures during an El Niño event affects weather patterns in the eastern Pacific region.

Describe one way that an El Niño event can impact marine ecosystems off the coast of South America.

El Niño's effects are not limited to South America. This climate pattern influences weather conditions across the globe.

Describe how El Niño can contribute to extreme weather events in other parts of the world.

Governments in drought-prone areas affected by El Niño are looking for ways to mitigate its economic and environmental impacts.

Propose a strategy for reducing the economic damage caused by El Niño-related droughts.

Justify the solution proposed in part (e) by describing an additional benefit of water conservation.

Scientists have also studied the contrasting effects of La Niña, which often follows an El Niño event.

Explain how La Niña differs from El Niño in terms of oceanic and atmospheric conditions.

Identify one way that El Niño and La Niña events can impact global food production.