Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) Integrated Science (024) Practice Exam

What is the La Nina effect characterized by?

1. A warm current in the Pacific Ocean

2. A change where surface water temperature becomes unusually cool

3. Increased cyclone activity in the Atlantic

4. Higher sea levels in the eastern Pacific

The correct answer is: A change where surface water temperature becomes unusually cool

The La Niña effect is characterized by a significant drop in ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. Specifically, it occurs when stronger than normal trade winds push warm surface waters towards the western Pacific, allowing cooler water from the depths to rise along the equator and reinforce the colder surface temperatures. This cooling of the ocean surface can have wide-ranging impacts on global weather patterns, including altering precipitation patterns and influencing the frequency of weather phenomena like hurricanes. The conditions brought about by La Niña can lead to different climatic effects across various regions, such as wetter conditions in some areas and drier conditions in others. Understanding these characteristics is vital for comprehending larger climate patterns and potential changes in weather due to oceanic variations.