El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) Quiz

What is the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO)?

• A) A climate pattern caused by temperature changes in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.

• B) A periodic reversal of air pressure between the eastern and western tropical Pacific Ocean.

• C) A climate phenomenon that occurs in the Indian Ocean.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which phase of the ENSO is characterized by an unusual increase in sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean and cooler waters in the western Pacific?

• A) Neutral

• B) El Niño

• C) La Niña

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

How does La Niña affect thermohaline circulation?

• A) By increasing the temperature and salinity of the ocean water in the equatorial Pacific.

• B) By disrupting normal circulation patterns and increasing the salinity of the ocean water due to increased evaporation.

• C) By decreasing the temperature and salinity of the ocean water in the equatorial Pacific.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What does a positive Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) indicate?

• A) Higher pressure over Tahiti and lower pressure over Darwin, Australia.

• B) Lower pressure over Tahiti and higher pressure over Darwin, Australia.

• C) Cooler temperatures in the western Pacific and warmer temperatures in the eastern Pacific.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What is the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)?

• A) A measurement of air pressure differences between the eastern and western Indian Ocean.

• B) A climate pattern similar to ENSO but occurring in the Atlantic Ocean.

• C) A climate phenomenon that involves fluctuation of sea surface temperatures in the Indian Ocean.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which phenomenon is often considered the Atlantic counterpart to the Pacific's El Niño-Southern Oscillation?

• A) The Gulf Stream

• B) The North Atlantic Oscillation

• C) The Atlantic Meridional Mode

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What impact does the positive phase of the Indian Ocean Dipole have on Australian weather?

• A) Increased rainfall and cooler temperatures

• B) Drought and higher temperatures

• C) No significant impact

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

During an El Niño event, how are the trade winds across the Pacific Ocean affected?

• A) They become stronger and blow more consistently from east to west

• B) They weaken or may reverse direction, blowing from west to east

• C) They do not change significantly

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What role does the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) play in global weather patterns?

• A) It contributes to the monsoon seasons in South Asia.

• B) It primarily affects the polar jet streams.

• C) It has no significant impact on global weather patterns.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

How does the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) influence climate in the Pacific Northwest of the United States?

• A) By causing more frequent and intense winter storms.

• B) By increasing the likelihood of drought conditions.

• C) It has minimal influence on the climate of the Pacific Northwest.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6