Understanding El Niño and La Niña

What led South American fishermen to name the warm ocean phenomenon 'El Niño'?

• It was named after a popular boat.

• It occurred during Christmas, relating to the Christ child.

• It coincided with a major storm.

• Fishermen named it after a famous explorer.

How often does El Niño typically occur?

• Once every century

• Every decade

• Every two to seven years

• Every year

What triggers the occurrence of El Niño?

• Underwater volcanic activity

• Scientists are still unsure

• Solar flares

• Melting polar ice caps

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What were some of the effects of the 1997-1998 El Niño event?

• Destructive mudslides in California and severe drought in Indonesia

• Unusually cold temperatures across the globe

• Decreased fish populations worldwide

• Mild weather and low rainfall

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Which regions experienced heavy rainfall during the 1997-1998 El Niño?

• California and Ecuador

• Indonesia and Australia

• Northern Europe

• Antarctica

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What is the role of trade winds in normal Pacific Ocean conditions?

• They push warm water towards the east.

• They cause water to stagnate.

• They have no significant impact on water movement.

• They push warm water towards the west.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

During an El Niño year, how are the trade winds affected?

• They reverse direction.

• They become stronger.

• They become weaker.

• They stop completely.

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What is La Niña and how does it relate to El Niño?

• It is a similar climate pattern with identical effects.

• It refers to the calm period following an El Niño event.

• It is the opposite climate pattern with stronger trade winds.

• It is a smaller scale version of El Niño.

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What is the effect of weakened trade winds during an El Niño year?

• Drier conditions in South America

• Stronger hurricanes in the Atlantic

• Increased rainfall in Asia

• Cooler water accumulates in the central Pacific

Tags

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How does La Niña affect the Pacific Ocean's water distribution?

• Random fluctuations in water temperature.

• No significant change in water distribution.

• More warm water accumulates towards Asia.

• Less warm water accumulates towards Asia.

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