El Nino GEM 2015
El Nino The El Nino event begins with the weakening of the prevailing winds in the Pacific and a shift in rainfall patterns. The events are associated with extreme weather (floods and droughts around the Pacific and throughout the world.
Effects of El Nino Prolonged dry periods in Southeast Asia In 1997, Ecuador and Peru experienced 10 times the amount of normal rainfall, causing extensive flooding. The 1997 El Nino led to drought conditions in Malaysia, Indonesia and Brazil, causing forest fires. The 1991 to 1992 El Nino caused the worst droughts in Africa of the century, affecting 100,000 people.
Activity The container represents a slice of Pacific Ocean between Indonesia and South America. The blue is the cooler nutrient-rich water and the oil layer is the layer of warm water. Where the two layers meet is the thermocline. The hair dryer represents the trade winds. In your GEM journal, draw out conditions for a normal year (showing winds, water temperatures and typical weather patterns). After completing the activity, draw out conditions of an El Nino year.
Activity Questions What happens when there are strong trade winds? What happens when trade winds stop or slow down? How might this affect the weather in South America? How might this affect weather in other places (Southwestern US, Australia)? El Nino Assignment: Pick a location that has been affected by El Nino in the past (Peru, Indonesia, India, Southwest US, Australia) and present a risk hazard analysis of El Nino to the community. What types of natural disasters can we expect from El Nino? How can we prepare for El Nino? What has happened in the past? What is the likelihood of El Nino occurring this year? (We will look at sea surface temperatures next week).