Earth Systems & Resources
Which of the following is a characteristic of El Niño events?
Weakening of trade winds
Expansion of the Pacific Ocean
Strengthening of trade winds
Cooling of the thermocline
How might an El Niño event affect efforts toward sustainable water resource management in regions experiencing decreased rainfall?
Increase investment in rainwater harvesting and storage systems for use during periods of water scarcity.
Continue current water usage rates assuming that normal rainfall patterns will resume shortly.
Import large quantities of freshwater without considering long-term impacts or alternatives.
Rely exclusively on desalination processes regardless of their energy intensiveness and cost.
During a La Niña event, what effect typically occurs in the eastern Pacific?
Increased hurricane activity
Warmer than normal ocean temperatures
Cooler than normal ocean temperatures
Decreased fishing industry productivity
How does El Niño typically affect agricultural productivity in the western United States?
It leads to a decrease in agricultural pests, resulting in greater productivity.
It often increases agricultural productivity due to milder winters and increased rainfall.
It generally decreases agricultural productivity because of severe drought conditions.
Agricultural productivity remains unchanged as El Niño primarily affects oceanic conditions.
In what way does El Niño most likely influence agriculture in the southern United States?
Reduced soil moisture from droughts leads to better soil quality.
Cooler temperatures decrease pest infestations on crops.
Longer growing seasons allow for multiple harvests per year.
Increased precipitation may lead to enhanced crop yields.
During an El Niño event, what is the general direction of warm water movement in the Pacific Ocean?
Westward toward Australia
Southward toward Antarctica
Northward along the coast of Japan
Eastward toward South America
What technique would best align with both conservation goals and development needs by reducing coastal community vulnerability during an El Niño event?
Developing floodplain areas into housing communities with advanced stormwater management systems.
Deepening coastal waterways to accommodate increased shipping traffic anticipated during warmer periods.
Restoration of mangrove forests along coastlines for storm surge protection and habitat creation.
Construction of sea walls to protect against higher sea levels associated with El Niño events.

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Which one of these fisheries would likely experience declined catches during an El Niño event?
Alaskan salmon fisheries which benefit from warmer water temperatures.
Norwegian cod fisheries improving catches with expanding habitats.
Maine lobster fisheries unaffected by Pacific Ocean temperature changes.
Peruvian anchovy fisheries due to reduced upwelling of nutrient-rich waters.
In which phase of ENSO do fish populations off the west coast of South America typically decrease?
Antarctic Oscillation
La Niña
Neutral
El Niño
What phenomenon often follows an El Nino event resulting In opposite climatic changes ?
Indian Summer Monsoon
Southern Oscillation
Neutral Conditions
La Niña