El Niño and La Niña Review

What is the scientific term for the periodic differences in global winds and sea surface temperatures?

• El Nino Southern Oscillation Cycle (ENSO)

• La Niña

• El Niño

• Neutral

During an El Niño event, what happens to the equatorial Pacific winds?

This is one of the key factors that can lead to the development of El Niño conditions!

• They weaken significantly

• They remain the same

• They become stronger

• They reverse direction

The ENSO cycle tends to be irregular. However, select an estimate the ENSO cycle tends to cycle through.

• Every 11-15 years

• Every 8-10 years

• Every 2-7 years

• Every 1-3 years

What are the effects of El Niño on global weather patterns?

• Decreased evaporation and cloud formation

• Disruptions in usual precipitation patterns

• No impact on weather patterns

• Increased upwelling along the west coast of South America

Which region was especially affected by the 2015-2016 El Niño event?

• Europe

• Latin America and the Caribbean

• North America

• Australia

What is the usual length of an El Niño or La Niña event?

• 9-12 months

• 6-9 months

• 3-6 months

• 12-15 months

What are the negative health effects from ENSO?

• Severe rains, flooding, and temperature changes

• Heat stress, respiratory diseases, and severe drought

• None of the above

• Food insecurity, malnutrition, and disease outbreaks

What is the impact of La Niña on surface ocean temperatures in the Pacific?

• They remain the same

• They become warmer than usual

• They become cooler than usual

• They reverse direction

How do equatorial winds across the Pacific normally blow?

• North to South

• East to West

• South to North

• West to East

What is the estimated number of people affected by the 2015-2016 El Niño event according to the WHO?

• 80 million

• 60 million

• 40 million

• 20 million