The El Nino Southern Oscillation and Its Impact on Global Climate Patterns

The video explains the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO), a major climate driver affecting global weather patterns. ENSO consists of three phases: El Nino, La Nina, and neutral. Each phase impacts weather differently, with El Nino often causing droughts and La Nina leading to increased rainfall. The video details how trade winds and Walker circulation influence these phases, affecting regions like Australia and marine ecosystems. Understanding ENSO is crucial for managing climate risks and predicting future events.

What is the primary influence of the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on global weather patterns?

• It causes extreme weather events like droughts and floods.

• It stabilizes weather conditions worldwide.

• It has no significant impact on weather.

• It only affects the climate in Antarctica.

Which phase of ENSO is associated with above-average rainfall in eastern Australia?

• None of the above

• Neutral

• La Nina

• El Nino

What role do trade winds play in the ENSO cycle?

• They have no effect on ocean temperatures.

• They cool the ocean surface.

• They only affect the Atlantic Ocean.

• They drive warm surface waters across the Pacific Ocean.

During a La Nina event, what happens to the warm water in the Pacific Ocean?

• It builds up in the western Pacific.

• It moves to the eastern Pacific.

• It evaporates completely.

• It cools down significantly.

How does La Nina affect the Lewin Current?

• It weakens the current.

• It strengthens the current with warm water.

• It has no effect on the current.

• It reverses the direction of the current.

What happens to the trade winds during an El Nino event?

• They become stronger.

• They weaken or reverse.

• They remain unchanged.

• They only affect the southern hemisphere.

How does El Nino impact the weather in northern and eastern Australia?

• It causes more rainfall.

• It has no impact on the weather.

• It leads to clearer skies and higher temperatures.

• It causes more cyclones.

What is the effect of El Nino on the Lewin Current?

• It has no effect on the current.

• It weakens and cools the current.

• It strengthens the current.

• It reverses the current's direction.

What was significant about the 1997-98 El Nino event?

• It only affected Australia.

• It caused widespread devastation worldwide.

• It had no significant impact.

• It was the weakest El Nino on record.

Why is understanding ENSO important for the future?

• To predict earthquakes.

• To eliminate all natural disasters.

• To manage the risks associated with extreme weather events.

• To control global temperatures.