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Name two things that drive ocean currents
wind, salinity, tides, rotation of the Earth
What are the two types of currents
surface and deep
Describe an impact of warm water ocean currents
They carry nutrients, they result in more rainfall
describe an impact of cold water currents
they carry nutrients and ocean-rich water, they result in less rainfall/desert conditions
When does El Nino typically peak?
Christmas time (every 3-7 years)
What happens to the surface water temperature in the Pacific ocean during an El Nino?
it warms up (~0.5 degrees) above average for three months
What process, which is important for supporting marine life, is blocked when warm surface water spreads over the Pacific?
upwelling
name two industries in the Peru which are impacted during an El Nino
fishing, fertilizer production, farming
How is SE Asia, including Thailand impacted by El Nino?
drought, wild fires, higher than normal temperatures
Why does cold surface water result in less rain than warm surface water?
There is less evaporation, less cloud formation and therefore less rain
What year did the biggest El Nino ever recorded occur?
1997
In a normal year, what direction do trade winds blow along the equator in the Pacific?
west- creating a pool of warm water around SE Asia and Australia
What does ENSO stand for?
El Nino Southern Oscillation
How many people were killed by the 97-98 EL nino
2100
