Understanding ENSO: El Nino and La Nina

The video explores the impact of extreme weather events, often linked to climate change and natural phenomena like El Nino and La Nina, which are phases of the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO). It explains the history, mechanisms, and global effects of these phases, highlighting their influence on weather patterns, ecosystems, and economies. The video also discusses the potential impact of climate change on ENSO, emphasizing the need for preparedness and resource allocation to mitigate adverse effects.

What natural phenomena are often blamed for extreme weather events alongside climate change?

• Earthquakes and Tsunamis

• El Nino and La Nina

• Volcanic Eruptions and Landslides

• Hurricanes and Tornadoes

What is the role of trade winds in the neutral phase of ENSO?

• They push warm water towards South America.

• They lead to increased rainfall in the Pacific.

• They cause the thermocline to rise in the west.

• They move warm water from east to west across the Pacific.

During El Nino, what happens to the trade winds?

• They become stronger and push more warm water west.

• They weaken and may even reverse direction.

• They lead to increased upwelling in the east.

• They cause the thermocline to rise in the west.

Which region is likely to experience drought during an El Nino event?

• Northern United States

• Central America

• East Africa

• West Africa

What is a significant effect of La Nina on the Americas?

• Increased drought in the east

• More hurricanes on the east coast

• Increased rainfall in the west

• Warmer temperatures in the north

How does La Nina affect the thermocline in the Eastern Pacific?

• It causes the thermocline to disappear.

• It makes the thermocline shallower.

• It has no effect on the thermocline.

• It causes the thermocline to deepen.

What is a common consequence of La Nina in East Africa?

• Milder temperatures

• Severe drought

• Frequent earthquakes

• Increased rainfall

What is the relationship between ENSO and global warming?

• ENSO is unaffected by global warming.

• ENSO patterns have become weaker due to global warming.

• ENSO patterns have become stronger since 1950.

• ENSO has no impact on global temperatures.

What do most climate models agree on regarding ENSO's future impact?

• ENSO will become less predictable.

• ENSO will cause less extreme weather.

• ENSO's effect on rainfall variability will increase.

• ENSO will have no effect on rainfall variability.

What is a key challenge in understanding ENSO's future behavior?

• ENSO's effects are limited to the tropics

• No impact from global warming

• Inconsistent climate model predictions

• Lack of historical data