Passage: 2.11 EL NIÑO Introduction: Consider the physical dynamics of the oceans. WOW! That sounds like trouble! What do “physical dynamics” mean? It sounds hard and boring. Not to fear. Though it may be boring to some of you, it should not be too hard. What is meant by “physical dynamics”? Physical refers to something that is observable and measurable. Dynamics are the way things work. So, the physical dynamics of the ocean refer to the measurable, observable ways that the ocean works. Not so bad, right? The physical dynamics of the ocean include things like tides, temperature, wave action, ocean currents, salinity (concentration of salt), and ocean depth. The physical dynamics of the ocean are all abiotic factors. It should not be surprising to you that the abiotic ocean factors (the physical dynamics) affect the ocean’s biotic factors, i. the organisms that live in and around the ocean. We often hear the term "El Nino" but few of us really understand what it means or how it affects us. El Nino is a physical phenomenon of the ocean that has a significant impact on both ocean life and human life. In this assignment you will describe El Nino and its impact on the Earth’s biosphere. Assignment: Using the Internet, find information related to El Nino. There are a multitude of Internet sources; you will probably find more information than you can possibly use. Using the information from at least THREE different Internet sources, write a THREE page, type written, double spaced essay that answers the following FOUR questions: 1. What are oceans currents? What are tides? Describe the ocean currents and tides, what they are; what causes them, where they normally flow, etc… 2. What is El Nino? Describe what it is and what causes it. How does it affect ocean currents and tides? Water temperature? Other abiotic factors? 3. Answer: el nino
Name the physical phenomenon of the ocean that has a significant impact on both ocean life and human life.