Understanding El Niño and La Niña

Mr. Smeeds explains the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), focusing on the environmental changes and effects of El Niño and La Niña events. The video covers global ocean surface current patterns, including gyres and upwelling, and discusses the thermohaline circulation's role in global ocean mixing. It details the conditions and impacts of El Niño and La Niña, highlighting their effects on weather patterns, fisheries, and agriculture across different regions.

What is the primary focus of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) study?

• To analyze the impact of human activities on ocean currents.

• To study the biodiversity of marine life in the Pacific Ocean.

• To explore the geological formations in the Southern Pacific.

• To understand the periodic shift in atmospheric pressure and ocean temperatures.

What is a gyre in the context of ocean currents?

• A large ocean circulation pattern influenced by wind patterns.

• A type of marine ecosystem found near the equator.

• A small whirlpool in the ocean.

• A deep-sea trench formed by tectonic activity.

How do upwelling zones benefit marine life?

• By increasing the water temperature.

• By bringing oxygen and nutrients to the surface.

• By creating new habitats for fish.

• By reducing the salinity of ocean water.

What role does thermohaline circulation play in the ocean?

• It causes the formation of coral reefs.

• It leads to the extinction of certain marine species.

• It connects and mixes the world's oceans, distributing salt and nutrients.

• It creates new oceanic trenches.

How does thermohaline circulation affect the climate of Europe?

• It causes frequent storms and hurricanes.

• It moderates the climate, making it warmer than similar latitudes.

• It has no significant impact on Europe's climate.

• It makes the climate colder and more severe.

What is a key indicator of an El Niño event?

• Strengthening of trade winds.

• Increase in ocean salinity.

• Reversal of trade winds from west to east.

• Formation of new ocean currents.

During a La Niña event, what happens to the trade winds?

• They cause a decrease in ocean temperatures.

• They weaken and reverse direction.

• They remain unchanged.

• They become stronger and blow from east to west.

What is a major impact of El Niño on South American fisheries?

• Improved fishing conditions due to stable weather.

• Formation of new fish species.

• Suppression of upwelling, leading to less productive fisheries.

• Increased fish population due to warmer waters.

How does La Niña affect weather conditions in Southeast Asia?

• It causes droughts and dry conditions.

• It leads to cooler and drier weather.

• It results in warmer and rainier conditions, possibly causing floods.

• It has no significant impact on the weather.

What is a positive impact of El Niño on the Atlantic region?

• Higher precipitation levels.

• More severe tornadoes.

• Weakened hurricane activity.

• Increased hurricane activity.