Understanding El Niño and La Niña

The video explains El Nino, a climate pattern in the Pacific Ocean, and its global effects. It covers the origin of the name, its occurrence every 2-7 years, and its varying impacts, such as flooding and drought. The video contrasts normal and El Nino years, highlighting changes in trade winds and water temperatures. It also introduces La Nina, the opposite pattern, with stronger trade winds and different weather effects.

What is the origin of the name 'El Niño'?

• Named by South American fishermen

• Named after a Pacific island

• Named after a scientist

• Named after a famous storm

How often does El Niño typically occur?

• Every century

• Every year

• Every 2 to 7 years

• Every decade

Which region experienced destructive mudslides during the 1997-1998 El Niño?

• Indonesia

• California

• South Asia

• Ecuador

What is the estimated damage cost of the 1997-1998 El Niño event?

• $36 billion

• $20 billion

• $10 billion

• $50 billion

What is the typical effect of El Niño on the U.S. Gulf Coast?

• Colder temperatures

• No significant change

• Increased risk of flooding

• Drier conditions

During a normal year, where does warm water accumulate in the Pacific Ocean?

• Near the Arctic

• In the central Pacific

• Near South America

• Towards Asia and the Pacific Islands

What happens to trade winds during an El Niño year?

• They disappear completely

• They become stronger

• They weaken

• They reverse direction

What is the effect of El Niño on South Asia and the Pacific Islands?

• Cooler and wetter conditions

• Warmer and drier conditions

• No significant change

• Increased snowfall

What is the main characteristic of La Niña compared to El Niño?

• No change in trade winds

• Weaker trade winds

• Stronger trade winds

• Reversed trade winds

How does La Niña affect the accumulation of warm water in the Pacific?

• Warm water spreads evenly

• Warm water accumulates near South America

• Warm water accumulates more towards Asia

• Warm water disappears