Climate Drivers and ENSO Impacts on Australia's Weather Patterns

Australia's climate is influenced by oceanic and atmospheric patterns, known as climate drivers. The El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a key driver, with phases including La Niña, Neutral, and El Niño. These phases affect global and Australian climates, causing floods, droughts, and temperature changes. La Niña strengthens trade winds, leading to more rain and cyclones in Australia, while El Niño weakens them, increasing drought risk. Understanding ENSO helps predict climate impacts, with updates provided by the Bureau.

What is one of the strongest climate drivers affecting Australia's climate?

• The Indian Ocean Dipole

• The North Atlantic Oscillation

• The El Niño–Southern Oscillation

• The Gulf Stream

How many key phases does the ENSO cycle have?

• Five

• Two

• Three

• Four

How often does the ENSO cycle typically swing from El Niño to La Niña and back?

• Every year

• Every two years

• Every four years

• Every six years

What is the typical duration of an ENSO phase?

• A few months

• One year

• Two years

• Three years

During the Neutral phase, what is the direction of the trade winds across the tropical Pacific?

• East to West

• South to North

• West to East

• North to South

What happens to the Walker Circulation during the La Niña phase?

• It reverses

• It strengthens

• It disappears

• It weakens

Which of the following is a climatic effect of La Niña on Australia?

• Longer frost season

• More tropical cyclones

• Higher daytime temperatures

• Increased drought risk

What happens to the trade winds during the El Niño phase?

• They remain unchanged

• They strengthen

• They blow from west to east

• They weaken or reverse

During El Niño, what climatic effect is observed in northern and eastern Australia?

• More tropical cyclones

• Increased rainfall

• Higher risk of drought

• Lower temperatures

What is a common effect of El Niño on Australia's weather patterns?

• More cloud cover

• Increased rainfall

• Clearer nights

• More tropical cyclones