El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) practice quiz for high school geography

📚 Topic Summary

The El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a naturally occurring climate pattern in the Pacific Ocean. It involves changes in sea surface temperatures and atmospheric pressure. The two main phases of ENSO are El Niño and La Niña. El Niño is characterized by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific, while La Niña is characterized by cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the same region. These changes can have significant impacts on weather patterns around the world. The Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) measures the atmospheric pressure difference between Tahiti and Darwin, Australia, and helps scientists monitor ENSO.

🧠 Part A: Vocabulary

Match the terms with their correct definitions:

1. El Niño
2. La Niña
3. Southern Oscillation Index (SOI)
4. Trade Winds
5. Upwelling

Definitions:

1. The movement of deep, cold, and nutrient-rich water to the surface.
2. Winds that blow from east to west in the tropics.
3. A climate pattern characterized by cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific.
4. A measure of the atmospheric pressure difference between Tahiti and Darwin, Australia.
5. A climate pattern characterized by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific.

Write the corresponding letter next to each number.

✏️ Part B: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the following paragraph using the words provided below:

The El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a ________ variation in sea surface temperatures in the ________ Ocean. During an ________ event, the trade winds weaken, and warm water moves eastward. This can lead to increased ________ in some regions and ________ in others. Conversely, during a ________ event, the trade winds strengthen, and cooler waters dominate the central Pacific.

Words: La Niña, rainfall, drought, Pacific, El Niño, periodic

🌍 Part C: Critical Thinking

How does El Niño affect global weather patterns, and what are some of the potential consequences for different regions of the world?