Resource Key
LEVEL 1
brief, basic information laid out in an easy-to-read format. May use informal language. (Includes most news articles)
LEVEL 2
provides additional background information and further reading. Introduces some subject-specific language.
LEVEL 3
lengthy, detailed information. Frequently uses technical/subject-specific language. (Includes most analytical articles)
Linked Databases
- World Book Encyclopedia This link opens in a new window
Online version of the complete reference work along with dictionary, atlas, links, magazines, historical documents, audio, video, images, and 3D photograph
- Britannica Schools This link opens in a new window
Britannica School covers the core subject areas of English, Maths, Science and History. Interactive lessons, activities, games, stories, worksheets, manipulatives, study guides and research tools.
Definitions
- El Ninonoun - a warm ocean current of variable intensity that develops after late December along the coast of Ecuador and Peru and sometimes causes catastrophic weather conditions.
- Southern Oscillationnoun - a low-latitude fluctuation of atmospheric pressure closely linked with El Niño events, specifically the periods of El Niño warming and La Niña cooling.
Introduction
Heating of Earth's surface and atmosphere by the sun drives convection within the atmosphere and oceans, producing winds and ocean currents. The complex mechanisms of these movements are responsible for a large degree of variability in regional climates. The ocean and atmospheric currents may result in two different areas on the same latitude having significantly different climates and, as such, they are also a factor in controlling the diversity of life. The purpose of this research project is to gain a better understanding of how these global systems can influence local climates.
El Niño and La Niña Basics
- Bureau of Meteorology. (2015). What are El Niño and La Niña events? Retrieved from http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/enso/history/ln-2010-12/ENSO-what.shtml
El Niño and La Niña events are a natural part of the global climate system. They occur when the Pacific Ocean and the atmosphere above it change from their neutral ('normal') state for several seasons.
Oceanic Nino Index
Climate and Water Outlook
Bureau of Meteorology. (2015, October 28). Climate and Water Outlook, November 2015 — January 2016 [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGDdTVyowxI