El Nino

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What is El Nino?

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El Nino is a climate pattern characterized by the warming of ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, which can disrupt normal weather patterns.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

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What is La Nina?

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La Nina is a climate pattern that is the opposite of El Nino, characterized by cooler than average ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

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What does ENSO stand for?

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ENSO stands for El Nino-Southern Oscillation, which is a periodic fluctuation in sea surface temperatures and atmospheric conditions in the Pacific Ocean.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

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How do ENSO events impact global weather?

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ENSO events can significantly impact global weather patterns, affecting precipitation, temperature, and storm activity across different regions.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

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What kind of winter is typically expected in Virginia during an El Nino year?

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During an El Nino year, Virginia is likely to experience a cold and snowy winter.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

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What is a normal (non-El Nino) event characterized by?

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A normal (non-El Nino) event is characterized by average ocean temperatures and typical weather patterns without the significant disruptions caused by El Nino or La Nina.

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What are some potential effects of an El Nino event on agriculture?

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El Nino can lead to altered rainfall patterns, which may cause droughts in some areas and flooding in others, impacting crop yields and agricultural practices.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

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What is the Southern Oscillation?

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The Southern Oscillation is a periodic variation in pressure differences between the eastern and western Pacific Ocean, which is closely associated with El Nino and La Nina events.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

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How often do El Nino events occur?

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El Nino events typically occur every 2 to 7 years, but their frequency and intensity can vary.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

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What are some signs of an impending El Nino event?

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Signs of an impending El Nino event may include rising sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific, changes in trade winds, and shifts in weather patterns.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6