AP Environmental Science Weather and Climate (unit 4)

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What is El Niño?

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A climate pattern characterized by the warming of ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, affecting global weather patterns.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

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What is La Niña?

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A climate pattern characterized by the cooling of ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, often leading to opposite weather effects compared to El Niño.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

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How does warmer ocean water affect air movement?

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Warmer ocean water heats the air above it, causing the air to rise due to its lower density, which can lead to increased precipitation.

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What is upwelling?

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A process where deep, cold, nutrient-rich water rises to the surface, supporting high productivity in marine ecosystems.

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What is the Coriolis effect?

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The deflection of moving objects, such as winds and ocean currents, caused by the rotation of the Earth, influencing weather patterns.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

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What are trade winds?

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Persistent winds that blow from east to west in the tropics, playing a crucial role in ocean circulation and climate.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

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What is the difference between weather and climate?

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Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, while climate is the long-term average of weather patterns in a specific area.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

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What role do gyres play in ocean circulation?

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Gyres are large-scale circular ocean currents that help distribute heat and nutrients across the oceans.

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What is the greenhouse effect?

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The warming of Earth's surface due to the trapping of heat by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-5

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How does La Niña affect global weather patterns?

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La Niña typically leads to cooler and wetter conditions in the western Pacific and warmer, drier conditions in the eastern Pacific.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

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