El Niño and La Niña

What is the El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO)?

• A cycle of environmental conditions in the Pacific Ocean near the equator

• A type of hurricane

• A weather pattern only affecting the Atlantic Ocean

• A man-made climate change phenomenon

How often do El Niño events typically occur?

• Every 3 to 5 years

• Every year

• Every 10 years

• Every 20 years

What happens to the surface water in the equatorial Pacific during an El Niño condition?

• It becomes warmer than average

• It becomes cooler than average

• It remains the same

• It freezes

What is the impact of La Niña on the southern United States during fall through spring?

• Drier weather

• Increased rainfall

• No change in weather

• Warmer weather

What effect does El Niño have on the number of hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean?

• Fewer hurricanes form

• More hurricanes form

• No effect on hurricanes

• Hurricanes become stronger

Why did fishermen name the warm ocean water 'El Niño'?

• It arrives around Christmas time, associated with the birth of Jesus

• It brings a lot of fish

• It causes cold weather

• It is a Spanish tradition

What is the effect of La Niña on fishing in the Pacific coast of South America?

• Increases fish catch due to nutrient-rich cold water

• Decreases fish catch due to warm water

• No effect on fish catch

• Causes fish to migrate away