Understanding El Niño and La Niña

The video explains El Niño, 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 the varied impacts on weather, such as rainfall and drought. The video contrasts normal years with El Niño years, highlighting changes in trade winds and water temperatures. It also introduces La Niña, the opposite pattern, with stronger trade winds and different weather impacts.

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

• It was named after a Spanish explorer.

• It was named by scientists in the 20th century.

• It was named by South American fishermen.

• It was named after a famous storm.

How often does El Niño typically occur?

• Every year

• Every 2 to 7 years

• Every decade

• Every century

Which of the following was a significant effect of the 1997-1998 El Niño event?

• Increased snowfall in Antarctica

• Destructive mudslides in California

• Hurricanes in the Atlantic

• Tornadoes in the Midwest USA

What is the typical condition of the Pacific Ocean during a non-El Niño year?

• Cold water accumulates near Asia.

• Warm water accumulates near South America.

• There is no significant water movement.

• Trade winds push warm water towards Asia.

During an El Niño year, what happens to the trade winds?

• They remain unchanged.

• They become stronger.

• They reverse direction.

• They weaken.

What is a major consequence of weakened trade winds during El Niño?

• Drier conditions in the Sahara

• Colder winters in North America

• More warm water near Central and South America

• Increased snowfall in Europe

How does El Niño affect the weather in the northern U.S. and Canada?

• It causes colder and wetter conditions.

• It has no significant effect.

• It leads to warmer and drier conditions.

• It results in more hurricanes.

What is the primary difference between El Niño and La Niña?

• El Niño leads to warmer waters in the east, while La Niña leads to cooler waters.

• El Niño occurs every year, while La Niña occurs every decade.

• El Niño causes stronger trade winds, while La Niña weakens them.

• El Niño affects only the Pacific Ocean, while La Niña affects the Atlantic.

During La Niña, what happens to the trade winds?

• They reverse direction.

• They become stronger than normal.

• They weaken significantly.

• They remain unchanged.

What is a common effect of La Niña on the Pacific Ocean?

• Decreased trade winds

• Increased rainfall in Europe

• Increased cold water upwelling near South America

• Increased warm water near South America