Front

What is the ENSO cycle?

Back

The ENSO (El Niño-Southern Oscillation) cycle is a periodic fluctuation in sea surface temperatures and atmospheric conditions in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, affecting global weather patterns.

Front

What are the two main phases of the ENSO cycle?

Back

The two main phases are El Niño and La Niña.

Front

What is El Niño?

Back

El Niño is a phase of the ENSO cycle characterized by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, leading to significant weather changes globally.

Front

What is La Niña?

Back

La Niña is a phase of the ENSO cycle characterized by cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, often resulting in opposite weather patterns to El Niño.

Front

How do trade winds affect the ENSO cycle?

Back

Trade winds are easterly winds that influence ocean currents and temperatures; during El Niño, these winds weaken, while during La Niña, they strengthen.

Front

What is upwelling?

Back

Upwelling is the process where deep, cold, nutrient-rich water rises to the surface, often occurring along coastlines and influenced by ocean currents.

Front

Which region typically experiences drought during El Niño?

Back

Indonesia typically experiences drought during El Niño due to altered weather patterns.

Front

What is the impact of El Niño on global weather?

Back

El Niño can lead to increased rainfall in some regions (like the southern U.S.) and drought in others (like Australia and Indonesia).

Front

What is the impact of La Niña on global weather?

Back

La Niña often results in wetter conditions in the western Pacific and drier conditions in the eastern Pacific, affecting rainfall patterns worldwide.

Front

How does the ENSO cycle influence marine life?

Back

The ENSO cycle affects ocean temperatures and nutrient availability, impacting marine ecosystems and fish populations.