AP Environmental Science / Unit 4: Earth Systems and Resources
4.9 El Niño and La Niña
Notes
- El Niño: trade winds weaken; warm water spreads east toward South America; upwelling there decreases (fewer fish). Changes weather worldwide.
- La Niña: stronger trade winds; cooler water off South America; more upwelling.
Practice
During El Niño, upwelling off Peru:
Warm water caps the nutrients.
El Niño is linked to:
Winds relax.
La Niña typically brings:
Stronger winds, more upwelling.
Ready for more? Take the Unit 4 test.