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Chasing El Niño
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Viewing Ideas
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Before Watching
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El Niño is a term originally used to describe the warm
surface current that usually appears every three to seven years
in the Pacific Ocean along the coasts of Peru and Ecuador. On a
world map, have students locate the Pacific Ocean, Peru and
Ecuador.
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A change in ocean temperatures and atmospheric conditions
produces El Niño, which affects weather worldwide. Discuss
with students the relationship between weather
(atmospheric conditions at a given time and place) and
climate
(average weather conditions for an area over an extended
period of time).
Have students explain what they think is meant by the adage,
"Climate is what you expect. Weather is what you get."
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As they watch, have students record various ways weather is
affected during El Niño years and how these changes in
weather impact specific regions.
After Watching
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Have students review their notes and discuss some of the
positive and negative effects of El Niño on world weather.
In response to the '82-'83 El Niño, scientists have been
collecting data, comparing this data to world weather events,
and building computer models to help predict future El
Niños. Discuss how people might use this information.
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