Define El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) .

The El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a natural climate phenomenon characterized by fluctuations in wind patterns and sea surface temperatures across the tropical Pacific Ocean.

What are the two extreme phases of ENSO?

The two extreme phases of ENSO are El Niño , a warming phase, and La Niña , a cooling phase.

ENSO events are irregular and usually occur every years.

ENSO events are irregular and usually occur every 2-7 years.

Under normal conditions, where do the trade winds push warm surface water?

Under normal conditions, the trade winds push warm surface water toward the western Pacific , near Asia and Australia .

Under normal conditions, what process brings cold, nutrient-rich water to the surface off South America?

Upwelling brings cold, nutrient-rich water to the surface off the coast of South America.

True or False? El Niño increases upwelling off Peru and Ecuador, which boosts local fisheries.

False. El Niño reduces upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich water, which decreases marine productivity and harms local fisheries and food chains.

What happens to the trade winds during El Niño?

During El Niño, the east-to-west trade winds weaken or reverse .

Define Walker circulation .

The Walker circulation is the east-west atmospheric circulation across the tropical Pacific.

Where do warmer-than-usual sea surface temperatures develop during El Niño?

During El Niño, warmer-than-usual sea surface temperatures develop in the central and eastern tropical Pacific .

How does El Niño affect rainfall in Australia and Southeast Asia?

El Niño brings drier conditions to Australia and Southeast Asia, leading to droughts and wildfires .

During El Niño, warmer waters can cause coral events that damage ecosystems such as the Great Barrier Reef.

During El Niño, warmer waters can cause coral bleaching events that damage ecosystems such as the Great Barrier Reef.

What happens to the Walker circulation during La Niña?

During La Niña, the Walker circulation strengthens , so stronger trade winds push warm water even further west.

True or False? La Niña brings milder winter conditions to Canada and the northern USA.

False. La Niña brings harsher winter conditions to Canada and the northern USA; it is El Niño that brings warmer winters there.

How does El Niño affect monsoon rains in India?

El Niño decreases monsoon rains in India and parts of Southeast Asia.

How can ENSO increase the spread of diseases such as malaria?

Wetter conditions in tropical regions provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes , increasing the spread of diseases such as malaria.

AP®Environmental ScienceCollege BoardFlashcardsUnit 4: Earth Systems & ResourcesEl Niño & La Niña

El Niño & La Niña (College Board AP® Environmental Science): Flashcards

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Define El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO).

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Cards in this collection (15)

Define El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO).
The El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a natural climate phenomenon characterized by fluctuations in wind patterns and sea surface temperatures across the tropical Pacific Ocean.
What are the two extreme phases of ENSO?
The two extreme phases of ENSO are El Niño, a warming phase, and La Niña, a cooling phase.
ENSO events are irregular and usually occur every years.
ENSO events are irregular and usually occur every 2-7 years.
Under normal conditions, where do the trade winds push warm surface water?
Under normal conditions, the trade winds push warm surface water toward the western Pacific, near Asia and Australia.
Under normal conditions, what process brings cold, nutrient-rich water to the surface off South America?
Upwelling brings cold, nutrient-rich water to the surface off the coast of South America.
True or False?
El Niño increases upwelling off Peru and Ecuador, which boosts local fisheries.
False.
El Niño reduces upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich water, which decreases marine productivity and harms local fisheries and food chains.
What happens to the trade winds during El Niño?
During El Niño, the east-to-west trade winds weaken or reverse.
Define Walker circulation.
The Walker circulation is the east-west atmospheric circulation across the tropical Pacific.
Where do warmer-than-usual sea surface temperatures develop during El Niño?
During El Niño, warmer-than-usual sea surface temperatures develop in the central and eastern tropical Pacific.
How does El Niño affect rainfall in Australia and Southeast Asia?
El Niño brings drier conditions to Australia and Southeast Asia, leading to droughts and wildfires.
During El Niño, warmer waters can cause coral events that damage ecosystems such as the Great Barrier Reef.
During El Niño, warmer waters can cause coral bleaching events that damage ecosystems such as the Great Barrier Reef.
What happens to the Walker circulation during La Niña?
During La Niña, the Walker circulation strengthens, so stronger trade winds push warm water even further west.
True or False?
La Niña brings milder winter conditions to Canada and the northern USA.
False.
La Niña brings harsher winter conditions to Canada and the northern USA; it is El Niño that brings warmer winters there.
How does El Niño affect monsoon rains in India?
El Niño decreases monsoon rains in India and parts of Southeast Asia.
How can ENSO increase the spread of diseases such as malaria?
Wetter conditions in tropical regions provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes, increasing the spread of diseases such as malaria.

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