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What is El Niño?

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El Niño 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 globally.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

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What is La Niña?

Back

La Niña is a climate pattern characterized by the cooling of ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, often leading to opposite weather effects compared to El Niño.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

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What is upwelling?

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Upwelling is the process where cold, nutrient-rich water rises to the surface, often enhancing marine productivity and supporting ecosystems.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

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What are trade winds?

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Trade winds are steady winds that flow from east to west in the tropics, playing a crucial role in ocean currents and climate patterns.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

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How do El Niño and La Niña affect global weather?

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El Niño and La Niña can significantly alter weather patterns, leading to changes in precipitation, temperature, and storm activity across the globe.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

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What is the typical effect of El Niño on the western Pacific?

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El Niño typically leads to warmer ocean temperatures in the western Pacific, which can result in increased rainfall and altered weather patterns.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

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What is the typical effect of La Niña on the western Pacific?

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La Niña usually results in cooler ocean temperatures in the western Pacific, often leading to drier conditions and increased hurricane activity.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

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What is the relationship between El Niño and hurricanes?

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El Niño can suppress hurricane formation in the Atlantic due to increased wind shear, while La Niña can enhance hurricane activity.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

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What are the indicators of an El Niño event?

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Indicators of an El Niño event include warmer sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific, changes in trade winds, and altered weather patterns.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

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What are the indicators of a La Niña event?

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Indicators of a La Niña event include cooler sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific, stronger trade winds, and increased upwelling.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6