El Nino and La Nina
In this mini project we were told to research about certain cycles in our universe and on earth. We were assigned the El Nino and La Nina cycle. I had to research about my cycle and then create a poster with my partner about the cycle. The poster is on the left and my research questions are listed below.
*Where do these occur?
El Niños and La Niñas occur all around the Pacific Ocean. They are more prominent in the tropical regions of the Pacific mainly around South America.
*What causes them?
They are caused because of the interactions between the ocean surface and the tropical Pacific atmosphere. This interaction causes a change in ocean causing the climate and atmosphere to change all over the world. El Ninos and La Niñas are preceded by a buildup of cool water in the Pacific. Atmospheric and oceanic waves help move the cool water easterly. After some time the sea-surface temperature drops below normal.
*How are these related to ocean temperature? How are these related to fishing?
When El Ninos and La Ninas occur the ocean temperature either increases or decreases depending on which one it is. This can also affect sea life, fish, dolphins, coral, all these living things can be affected by the change in ocean temperature. Certain species live in a specific temperature for their bodies to continue functioning. As temperatures change these species can become sick and even die. This also creates a bad fishing season for fisherman. This only applies to El Nino whereas the La Nina actually does good for the fishing industries.
*How often do these occur? (What is the length of each cycle?)
El Ninos and La Ninas often occur every 3-5 years on average. NOAA says that since 1995 La Ninas have been less frequent than El Ninos. El Ninos and La Ninas usually last for a period of 9-12 months. The longest La Nina lasted 2 years.
*How do we know what is happening?
Scientists use a variety of different tools to try and predict these climate changes. They use different types of buoys, moored buoys, drifting buoys and expendable buoys. They also have satellites and NOAA also operates a research ship called Ka’imimoana. But to be more specific scientists can predict them because of major climate changes across the Pacific. They then try to explore and learn more about it.
*What are the effects here in California?
El Nino and La Nina also affect our country and state of California. It is critical that our state is aware of these climate changes in helping water, energy and transportation, and farmers prepare for them so that they don’t lose anything. Losing their valuables will result in money loss and will be hard to get back.
Resources:
http://www.elnino.noaa.gov/lanina_new_faq.html
*Where do these occur?
El Niños and La Niñas occur all around the Pacific Ocean. They are more prominent in the tropical regions of the Pacific mainly around South America.
*What causes them?
They are caused because of the interactions between the ocean surface and the tropical Pacific atmosphere. This interaction causes a change in ocean causing the climate and atmosphere to change all over the world. El Ninos and La Niñas are preceded by a buildup of cool water in the Pacific. Atmospheric and oceanic waves help move the cool water easterly. After some time the sea-surface temperature drops below normal.
*How are these related to ocean temperature? How are these related to fishing?
When El Ninos and La Ninas occur the ocean temperature either increases or decreases depending on which one it is. This can also affect sea life, fish, dolphins, coral, all these living things can be affected by the change in ocean temperature. Certain species live in a specific temperature for their bodies to continue functioning. As temperatures change these species can become sick and even die. This also creates a bad fishing season for fisherman. This only applies to El Nino whereas the La Nina actually does good for the fishing industries.
*How often do these occur? (What is the length of each cycle?)
El Ninos and La Ninas often occur every 3-5 years on average. NOAA says that since 1995 La Ninas have been less frequent than El Ninos. El Ninos and La Ninas usually last for a period of 9-12 months. The longest La Nina lasted 2 years.
*How do we know what is happening?
Scientists use a variety of different tools to try and predict these climate changes. They use different types of buoys, moored buoys, drifting buoys and expendable buoys. They also have satellites and NOAA also operates a research ship called Ka’imimoana. But to be more specific scientists can predict them because of major climate changes across the Pacific. They then try to explore and learn more about it.
*What are the effects here in California?
El Nino and La Nina also affect our country and state of California. It is critical that our state is aware of these climate changes in helping water, energy and transportation, and farmers prepare for them so that they don’t lose anything. Losing their valuables will result in money loss and will be hard to get back.
Resources:
http://www.elnino.noaa.gov/lanina_new_faq.html