The Geographical Impacts of ENSO
The Geographical Impacts of ENSO
This page looks in depth at the geographical impacts of ENSO cycles. It develops a number of skill based activities based on well chosen graphics as well as providing a broad range of detailed examples to illustrate the impacts of both El Niño and La Niña
Enquiry Question
What are the geographical impacts of El Niño and La Niña?
Lesson Time: 1 Hour
Lesson Objectives:
- To examine the geographic impacts of El Niño and La Niña
Starter Activity - What do we know so far? - Processes
Working in pairs or small groups complete the following mind map of potential geographical impacts of ENSO
ENSO Impacts Mind MapEl Nino (2015)
Student Activity - The Geographical Impacts of ENSO - Processes and Places
Using the following resources complete the table of impacts sheet
Table of ImpactsEl Niño in Somalia
As El Niño is expected to continue from October to December, flooding is more likely. This would have a negative impact on the food security of some riverine populations. Above average to average Deyr (October-December) rains are expected to lead to substantial improvement in food security conditions across most pastoral livelihood zones in central and southern Somalia. In northern pastoral areas, Deyr rains are expected to be below average to average, resulting in a moderate improvement in food security.
El Nino - Cambodia
Watch the following animation and describe the pattern of the Agricultural Stress Index in Cambodia
The El Niño weather phenomenon affected large parts of the world and resulted in a severe drought in Cambodia. According to the Cambodian National Committee for Disaster Management, an estimated 2.5 million people throughout the country were affected and left with no access to safe drinking water and water shortages for farming.
Surveys by ActionAid and partners revealed that wells and water ponds dried up and people had to travel long distances for water that was often of uncertain quality or even unsafe to drink. The worst affected groups were women, children, elderly and sick people - particularly in poor households which could not afford to buy bottled drinking water.
La Nino - Australia
Study the following before and after satellite images showing the extent of fire damage in Tasmania. Using evidence from the photograph describe the extent of damage
Look at the other images
La Nina (2016)
Student Activity - Comparing the Global Impacts - Processes and Places
Study the infographic and note down the global impacts of El Niño and La Niña
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La Nina Somalia
Read the following Reuters article based on the impacts of La Niña in Somalia in 2016
La Nina - California
Study the graph and describe the patterns of rain in Sacramento for 2016
Read the following CNBC article on the potential impacts of ENSO in California
La Nina - Indonesia
Read the following Mongabay news article on the La Niña-induced landslides
Student Assessment - Essay Question
Explain the occurrence and consequences of El Niño Southern Oscillation (10)