Climate Impact Quiz: El Niño & La Niña

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Questions and Answers

What is a primary effect of El Niño on the Pacific Ocean's marine life?

Enhanced fish populations due to increased upwelling

Stable marine conditions with no significant changes

Increased hurricane frequency due to temperature changes

Warmer water temperatures disrupting marine life (correct)

Which of the following statements best describes the impacts of La Niña?

Decreases the frequency of storms and hurricanes globally

Leads to increased drought and lower agricultural productivity in all regions

Reduces rainfall across South America and increases temperatures

Results in more intense normal conditions and enhanced upwelling (correct)

How does El Niño affect Australia?

Causes droughts and increased risk of fires (correct)

Leads to increased rainfall and flooding

Has minimal impact compared to other regions

Improves agricultural productivity significantly

Which continents are typically affected by drier conditions during El Niño events?

Australia and Southeast Asia Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary impact of stronger westerly winds during El Niño?

Cools oceans, disrupting developing storms Signup and view all the answers

How does the 'tragedy of the commons' concept relate to ocean resources?

Leads to overuse and depletion of shared ocean resources Signup and view all the answers

Which region experiences wetter conditions during El Niño?

Southern U.S. Signup and view all the answers

What is one consequence of El Niño on agricultural productivity in South America?

Increase in rainfall causing landslides and floods. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does salt have on plant growth?

Inhibits growth due to its toxic nature Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of overusing aquifers for agricultural irrigation?

They can be severely depleted Signup and view all the answers

What is one proposed solution to address saltwater intrusion in coastal aquifers?

Utilizing injection wells Signup and view all the answers

What is the pesticide treadmill?

The process of increasing pesticide and insecticide use Signup and view all the answers

How does meat production compare in efficiency to plant agriculture?

It is less efficient, taking approximately 20 times more land Signup and view all the answers

What environmental issue is exacerbated by livestock waste entering waterways?

Nutrient pollution from phosphorus and nitrogen Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a consequence of using pesticides excessively?

Improvement in crop yield Signup and view all the answers

Which technique is suggested to manage freshwater resources while reducing salinity levels in agricultural fields?

Flushing fields with freshwater Signup and view all the answers

How do ocean temperatures affect weather and climate in coastal regions?

They create stable climates by moderating temperature. Signup and view all the answers

What causes the variation in land temperatures in countries at the same latitude?

Ocean currents affecting coastal temperatures. Signup and view all the answers

What is a rain shadow effect?

A region that experiences decreased precipitation due to a barrier. Signup and view all the answers

Which phenomenon is characterized by weakened trade winds and changes in cloud patterns?

El Niño. Signup and view all the answers

How does La Niña differ from normal conditions?

It has stronger trade winds and more extreme conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What role do mountains play in local temperature stabilization?

They provide conditions that lead to fluctuating temperatures. Signup and view all the answers

What is an effect of warm ocean currents on coastal climate?

They induce warm temperatures and higher humidity. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when trade winds reverse in the ocean?

Nutrients are brought to the surface enhancing marine life. Signup and view all the answers

What type of meat production method is characterized by animals grazing on grass and being free from antibiotics?

Free range grazing Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a primary consequence of overgrazing?

Desertification Signup and view all the answers

Which fishing technique involves using a cone-shaped net dragged along the seafloor?

Trawling Signup and view all the answers

How can sustainable fishing practices be enforced?

Implementing maximum sustainable yield (MSY) Signup and view all the answers

The use of antibiotics in concentrated animal feeding operations primarily serves which purpose?

To prevent the transmission of diseases Signup and view all the answers

What is one detrimental effect of using growth hormones in livestock production?

Artificial selection of traits Signup and view all the answers

What can be a result of concentrated animal waste from livestock?

Contamination of drinking water Signup and view all the answers

What is one characteristic of drift net fishing?

Traps fish as they get tangled Signup and view all the answers

What effect does soil compaction have on land use?

Prevents infiltration to groundwater Signup and view all the answers

What is a major concern with the practice of commercial fishing using long lines?

It promotes overfishing quickly if not regulated. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary consequence of cutting down trees and burning them for soil amendment?

Decreased water infiltration Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the negative environmental impacts of the Haber-Bosch process?

Heavy reliance on fossil fuels Signup and view all the answers

Which irrigation method is considered the least efficient?

Flood irrigation Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant advantage of drip irrigation?

Delivers water directly to plant roots Signup and view all the answers

What leads to salinisation in agricultural soils?

High temperatures and evaporation of water Signup and view all the answers

Which type of irrigation method allows for the precise application of water?

Drip irrigation Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of using synthetic fertilizers?

Contributes to soil erosion Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of intensive agriculture on natural resources?

Overuse of natural resources Signup and view all the answers

What does the process of water logging inhibit?

Plant nutrient absorption Signup and view all the answers

Which irrigation type is most efficient in terms of water usage?

Drip irrigation Signup and view all the answers

What negatively affects the biodiversity after deforestation for agriculture?

Reduction of tree cover Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of natural fertilizers compared to synthetic ones?

Universal in application Signup and view all the answers

Which type of irrigation can lead to water logging and salinisation when overused?

Flood irrigation Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of using organic fertilizers?

Improvement in soil structure Signup and view all the answers

What is a major consequence of clearcutting on terrestrial environments?

Decrease in food sources for animals Signup and view all the answers

Which practice involves the removal of all trees in a forest?

Clearcutting Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential risk associated with mechanized farming?

Alteration of soil structure Signup and view all the answers

How does the use of artificial fertilizers impact soil health?

Kills microorganisms Signup and view all the answers

What describes the practice of monoculture?

Planting a single crop species in a given area Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the Tragedy of the Commons?

Individuals acting in their own self-interest can deplete shared resources Signup and view all the answers

What effect does irrigation have on freshwater resources?

Depletes freshwater resources Signup and view all the answers

How does clearcutting affect water bodies in aquatic environments?

Increases nutrient loads due to runoff Signup and view all the answers

Which is a disadvantage of using genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in agriculture?

Decreased genetic variability Signup and view all the answers

What is the main benefit of selective cutting in forestry practices?

Reduces biodiversity loss Signup and view all the answers

What consequence does excessive tillage have on soil?

Leads to increased soil erosion Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of clearcutting increases albedo and contributes to desertification?

Removal of dark-colored soil and vegetation Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential negative effect of using pesticides in agriculture?

Contamination of groundwater Signup and view all the answers

What is an important factor to consider when implementing treaties for sustainable resource use?

The willingness of individuals to follow the rules Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Geological Factors Affecting Weather and Climate

Ocean temperature stabilization: High specific heat allows oceans to store and distribute large amounts of heat, regulating temperature fluctuations. Water's mobility further aids this process.
Mountain-induced rain shadows: Elevated terrain blocks precipitation, creating drier conditions on the leeward side. Predicts rainfall/vegetation patterns; dry areas are common along coastal mountains.
Land vs. Water Temperatures: Land has lower specific heat and no mobility causing more rapid temperature fluctuations than water's higher specific heat and mobility. Coastal areas benefit from temperature regulation and humidity due to water bodies. Different ocean currents (warm or cold) in different latitudes contribute to varying coastal temperatures.

El Niño and La Niña

Phenomena caused by changing ocean surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean (between Australia and South America). These induce global changes in rainfall, winds, and ocean circulation patterns.
El Niño:
- Weakening of trade winds, strengthening of westerly winds.
- Change in cloud location patterns, causing warmer temperatures.
- Suppressed upwelling on the South American coast leads to less nutrient-rich water and impacts fisheries.
- Australia tends to be dry; South America experiences increased rainfall.
- Stronger westerly winds cool upper Atlantic Ocean waters, decreasing hurricane frequency.
- Impacts various continents' climates.
La Niña:
- Stronger trade winds – more extreme normal conditions.
- Increases storm potential and ocean evaporation.
- Enhanced upwelling on the South American coast bringing nutrients and increasing fish populations.

Tragedy of the Commons and Sustainable Use

Tragedy of the Commons: Individuals prioritize their own self-interest over the common good when using a shared resource. Examples include the ocean and other public areas.
Solutions for Sustainable Use:
- Regulation: Setting limits and rules for resource use by the public hunting and fishing licences, land permits selective cutting of trees.
- Replenishment: Restoring/replenishing resources after use (replanting trees, releasing gravid fish, rotating grazing lands).
- Enforcement: Implementing oversight mechanisms (treaties, laws, and fines) and consequences for violations.

Clearcutting Impacts

Terrestrial Impacts: Reduced habitat, biodiversity loss, decreased aesthetic value, altered food sources, reduced humus formation, decreased transpiration, increased infiltration issues and risks of erosion, increased albedo and soil temperatures, accelerated decomposition and CO2 release. Increased air and soil pollution.
Aquatic Impacts: Reduced infiltration leading to decreased water flow to oceans/lakes, decreased biodiversity. Increased dissolved oxygen decrease, and increased albedo( darkened polluted water). Increased runoff, flooding, turbidity, decreased sunlight (limits algae growth), increased water temperature, and increased nutrient load (potentially increase algae growth, depending on sunlight availability.

Green Revolution

Large-scale industrialized shift aiming to increase crop yield and food production. Methods include mechanized farming, monocultures, artificial fertilizers, pesticides, and extensive irrigation; GMO creation.
Impacts: -Mechanized farming Efficiency increase, higher yield/profit but Increased fossil fuel use, pollution, machinery impacting soil structure, and habitat disruption during fossil fuel extraction.
- Monoculture Increased efficiency but reduced biodiversity, less resilience to environmental stress (eg pests, climate events).
- Artificial Fertilizers Potential for customized, mass production, and ensured high yield, but soil structure degradation, potential for nutrient imbalances, microbial disruption or chemical imbalance in soil, water runoff and eutrophication.
- Artificial Pesticides Higher yield but potential for non-target species harm, pesticide resistance, groundwater contamination, and potential human health risks.
- Irrigation Crucial for high yields but potential for water depletion, waterlogging, salinization, and ecosystem disruption.
- GMOs Increased potential for herbicide/pesticide resistance, higher yield per acre, potentially increased biodiversity, but potential for genetic erosion, herbicide resistant weeds, non-target organism damage, potential for insecticide resistance and potential human health risks.

Arable Land Management

Tilling: Soil preparation for planting, increases soil erosion, evaporation, need for fertilizers, altered soil structure, CO2 release.
Slash-and-burn: Common in developing countries with nutrient-poor soils, involves cutting and burning trees to fertilize the soil, but is unsustainable due to quick nutrient depletion, land degradation and loss of biodiversity, CO2 emissions from burning, and reduced water infiltration.

Intensive Agriculture

Maximizes yield on smaller plots, but results in overuse of natural resources, pollution, and loss of crop diversity.

Irrigation Methods

Flood, furrow, spray, and drip irrigation; each has varying efficiency and environmental impacts regarding water usage, soil erosion, and salinization.

Meat Production

Concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) are efficient but generate considerable waste and pollution. Free-range grazing is less efficient but requires more land and has fewer environmental impacts

Overfishing

Commercial fishing methods (longlining, drift netting, trawling) often lead to overfishing, bycatch (catching unintended species), and habitat destruction (e.g., trawling).
Solutions: Catch limits based on MSY, size/age limits, modified fishing techniques, laws and treaties protecting endangered species, sustainable consumer choices.

Additional Impacts

Waterlogging occurs when too much water is left in the soil, which inhibits plant respiration.
Salinization results from salt buildup in the soil due to evaporation of irrigation water; can be addressed by flushing fields with fresh water or using salt-tolerant plants. Aquifer depletion and saltwater intrusion are significant concerns with freshwater overuse for agriculture.

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Description

This quiz explores the effects of El Niño and La Niña on marine life and global climates. Test your knowledge on how these climate phenomena impact different continents and marine ecosystems. Get ready to learn more about these significant weather events!