Understanding ENSO and Its Effects

The video explains the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO), a climate pattern involving the interaction between the ocean and atmosphere in the equatorial Pacific. It describes the normal, El Nino, and La Nina phases, highlighting how changes in sea-surface temperatures and trade winds affect global weather patterns. The video emphasizes the significant impact of ENSO on weather conditions, particularly in North America, and provides resources for further learning.

What are the two main components of the El Nino Southern Oscillation?

• El Viejo and La Vieja

• El Nino and El Viejo

• El Nino and La Nina

• La Nina and La Vieja

Where does the El Nino Southern Oscillation primarily occur?

• The Atlantic Ocean

• The Indian Ocean

• The equatorial Pacific Ocean

• The Arctic Ocean

Under normal conditions, what direction do the trade winds blow in the equatorial Pacific?

• Northward

• Westward

• Southward

• Eastward

What happens to the sea-surface temperatures along the South American coast during El Nino?

• They remain unchanged

• They freeze

• They become cooler

• They become warmer

During El Nino, how does the area of low pressure change?

• It disappears

• It shrinks

• It expands

• It remains the same

What is the main difference in trade winds during La Nina compared to El Nino?

• They stop completely

• They change direction

• They are stronger

• They are weaker

During La Nina, where is the warm surface water confined?

• Further east

• In the center of the Pacific

• Further west

• Near the poles

How does ENSO affect global weather patterns?

• It has no effect

• It only affects the Atlantic region

• It only affects the Pacific region

• It causes global shifts in weather patterns

What kind of winter can the southeastern US expect during El Nino?

• Warmer and drier

• Wetter and colder

• Hot and humid

• Unchanged

What is a good resource for more information on ENSO?

• The Climate Prediction Center's website

• A random blog

• A local newspaper

• A travel guide