Understanding El Nino Effects

El Nino is a complex weather phenomenon occurring every 2 to 7 years in the Pacific Ocean, affecting global weather patterns. It involves the weakening of trade winds, causing warm water to move eastward, impacting rainfall and temperatures worldwide. Historically named by Peruvian fishermen, El Nino can lead to droughts, floods, and economic damage. It also interacts with climate change, contributing to record temperatures. Understanding El Nino is crucial due to its significant global impacts.

What is the basic definition of El Nino?

• A type of fish found in the Pacific Ocean

• A complex weather phenomenon occurring every 2 to 7 years

• A mountain range in South America

• A type of cloud formation

What is the role of trade winds in normal oceanic conditions?

• They cause warm water to pile up near Indonesia

• They blow from Indonesia to South America

• They cause warm water to pile up near South America

• They have no effect on oceanic conditions

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

• They weaken

• They strengthen significantly

• They remain unchanged

• They reverse direction

Which region experiences droughts during an El Nino event?

• Hawaii

• Indonesia

• Peru

• Mexico

What historical event led to the naming of El Nino?

• A warm current noticed by Peruvian fishermen around Christmas

• A volcanic eruption in Indonesia

• A hurricane that hit Mexico

• A drought in Africa

How does El Nino affect agriculture in Indonesia?

• It has no impact on agriculture

• It leads to increased fish populations

• It causes fires to burn out of control due to less rain

• It increases rainfall, aiding crop growth

Which region experienced a record-strength hurricane due to El Nino?

• Hawaii

• South Africa

• Mexico

• Peru

What is the relationship between El Nino and global temperatures?

• El Nino has no effect on global temperatures

• El Nino tends to lower global temperatures

• El Nino stabilizes global temperatures

• El Nino tends to raise global temperatures

What was the economic impact of the 1997-98 El Nino?

• $5 billion in damage

• $50 billion in damage

• $35 billion in damage

• $10 billion in damage

How many people died during the record-breaking El Nino in 1998?

• 10,000

• 23,000

• 50,000

• 5,000