El Nino & La Nina

Front

What is El Nino?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What is La Nina?

Back

La Nina is a climate pattern that represents the cooling of ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, often leading to opposite weather effects compared to El Nino.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

How do El Nino and La Nina influence global weather?

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Both El Nino and La Nina significantly influence global weather patterns, affecting rainfall, temperature, and storm activity worldwide.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What is upwelling?

Back

Upwelling is the process where cold, nutrient-rich water rises to the surface, often supporting marine life and fisheries.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Front

What is downwelling?

Back

Downwelling is the process where warm, less dense water sinks, which can lead to nutrient depletion in surface waters.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

Why is upwelling important for marine ecosystems?

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Upwelling brings nutrients from the deep ocean to the surface, supporting phytoplankton growth, which is the base of the marine food chain.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Front

What happens to fish populations during a strong El Nino?

Back

During a strong El Nino, upwelling is reduced, leading to a decline in nutrients and negatively impacting fish populations.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Front

What are the typical weather patterns associated with El Nino?

Back

El Nino is often associated with increased rainfall in the central Pacific and drier conditions in the western Pacific and parts of Australia.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What are the typical weather patterns associated with La Nina?

Back

La Nina is often associated with cooler, wetter conditions in the western Pacific and drier conditions in the central and eastern Pacific.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

How does El Nino affect hurricane activity?

Back

El Nino can suppress hurricane activity in the Atlantic due to increased wind shear, while it may enhance activity in the Pacific.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6