Environmental Science
El Nino Analysis
Name__________________________________
Per 2 4 8 Date____________ Score_________
El Nino Analysis Activity
The analysis of sea-surface temperatures plotted on an ocean map can reveal patterns related to
general oceanographic conditions. El Nino is a recurring episode resulting from interaction between the
ocean and the atmosphere and has major impact on sea-surface temperatures over vast stretches of the
tropical Pacific. This activity compares sea-surface temperature patterns during a major El Nino
occurrence to a time more representative of long-term average conditions. The data employed were
acquired from temperature sensors carried aboard ships floating buoys and satellites, which were
provided by the Climate Analysis Center of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA).
1. Please go to this site about the differences between El Nino and La Nina on this
“youtube” video. Take notes below and then answer the questions below to
summarize the events of El Nino and La Nina.
A) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovDp1crqdOU&feature=related
B) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FVZrw7bk1w
C) National Geographic:
http://education.nationalgeographic.com/education/activity/the-ocean-andweather-el-nino-and-la-nina/?ar_a=1
1. What is El Nino?
2. Do scientists know what is causing El Nino?
3. Why is El Nino an interpretation of the “the Christ Child”?
4. How often does El Nino occur?
5. Describe upwelling and its importance:
6. What is the difference between El Nino and La Nina? Fill in the prompts
below:
Normal
Which areas of the
world do these
patterns originate?
El Nino – Warmer Waters
La Nina-Colder Waters
Environmental Science
El Nino Analysis
Wind Direction
Water movement
How is upwelling a
factor in these 2
weather patterns?
Describe how living
organisms are
affected.
How is the economy
affected by these
weather patterns?
Overall
Weather impacts:
Name__________________________________
Per 2 4 8 Date____________ Score_________
Environmental Science
El Nino Analysis
Name__________________________________
Per 2 4 8 Date____________ Score_________
Overall Weather
Changes:
Ocean Upwelling
Environmental Science
El Nino Analysis
Name__________________________________
Per 2 4 8 Date____________ Score_________
Answer Key.
Normal
Normal ocean
shore upwelling
in Pacific Ocean –
prevailing winds
blow east to
west.
El Nino – Warmer Waters
West winds weaken or reverse
direction.
Warmer waters of western
Pacific move toward coast of
South America, which prevents
the upwelling of cold nutrientrich water.
This reduces the primary
productivity and causes a
decrease in some fish species.
La Nina-Colder Waters
Opposite of El Nino.
Cools some coastal surface water and
upwelling of ocean currents returns.
More Atlantic ocean hurricanes.
Colder winters in Canada and
northeastern US.
Warmer and drier winters in southeast
and southwest US.
Occurs between
Indonesia/Australia and South
America.
Wetter winters in Pacific northwest.
Effects of El Nino:
1. Moist air from Pacific and
Gulf of Mexico inland
cause violent storms and
rain from California to
the Midwestern states.
2. Droughts in Australia and
Indonesia which cause
crop failures and even
forest fires.
3. Warm periods in Alaska
and northeastern
Canada.
4. High rainfall in western
and southern South
America.
1977-1997: North Pacific Alaska
had cooler water – salmon
bountiful
Western US: warmer waters and
salmon were diminished.
Lower wheat yields in Argentina, South
America.
Torrential rains in southeast Asia.
Wildfires in Florida.