1. Do Now; Are there weather patterns that influence places thousands of miles away?

2. Aim: What is El Nino?

3. Pic: Normal Conditions vs. El Nino

4. What is El Nino? A climate variation that takes place in the tropical Pacific once every 3-7 years Lasts for about 1 year

5. Normal Weather Conditions in the Pacific Trade winds move warm surface waters of Pacific away from the west coast of Central & South America Cold ocean water that lies under the displaced water moves to the surface – Causes thermocline to rise – Brings nutrients – Keeps water cool – More fish in the area

6. El Nino Weather Conditions: Southern Oscillation Reversal of high & low pressure regions on either side of the Pacific Trade winds are weakened or reversed Upwelling slows/stops off the coast of Central & South America so less nutrients

7. No Upwelling= Big Concerns Environmental Impact: – Without upwelling, there are less nutrients resulting in a decline in fish populations Economic impact: – Fisheries are hit hard – Devastating effect on countries that use fishing as a main source of income like Peru

8. Pic: Normal Conditions vs. El Nino

9. Effects of El Nino …Cont’d The northern US & Canada experience warmer winters & less intense hurricane season The eastern US & regions of Peru & Ecuador (typically dry) have higher-than-average rainfall The Philippines, Indonesia, & Australia are drier than normal resulting in devastating brush fires

10. La Nina Reverse of El Nino Surface waters of the ocean surrounding Central & South America are colder than normal