Practice AP Environmental Science questions on El Niño and La Niña, Pacific sea-surface temperatures, precipitation, and regional climate patterns.
There is a natural climate phenomenon that occurs in the equatorial Pacific Ocean because of periodic fluctuations in sea surface conditions and atmospheric circulation. This phenomenon happens every few years, resulting in shifts in temperature and precipitation in many parts of the world.
Figure 1 shows temperature and precipitation patterns associated with one phase of this phenomenon in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. Figure 2 shows the associated temperature and precipitation patterns that occur over North America.
Figure 1. Effects of Changes in Sea Surface Conditions in Equatorial Pacific Ocean
Figure 2. Polar Jet Stream and Climate Conditions in North America
Respond to parts A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, and J.
Identify the sea surface condition for the eastern equatorial area of the Pacific Ocean illustrated in Figure 1.
Based on the information in Figure 1, identify the climate phenomenon associated with the sea surface conditions shown in the equatorial area of the Pacific Ocean.
Based on the information in Figure 2, describe a difference in climate patterns between the regions A and B.