Exploring Patterns: ENSO on the Global Stage

Cynthia M. Fadem, InTeGrate; SERC

In this activity, students analyze data maps of sea surface temperature anomalies for a 14-year interval and create an ENSO time line in a case study format. Based on their findings, students determine the recurrence interval of the ENSO system.

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Notes from our reviewers

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This activity is part of a larger sequence that examines ENSO and ocean-atmosphere behavior. Each component can stand alone or be combined with other activities [link http://serc.carleton.edu/integrate/teaching_materials/climate_change/unit3.html] Teaching notes and tips are included in the activity overview.
In this activity, El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is explored through actual ocean surface temperature data, utilizing a time series of sea surface temperature (SST) anomaly maps to create an ENSO timeline. References and resources from NOAA, NASA, etc. provide valuable background information in understanding the activity topic. Comments from expert scientist: Scientific Strengths: - Use of real, oceanographic data and maps - Plotting recurrence intervals - Addressing the difference between a regular SST plot and an SST anomaly plot - Only using SST instead of introducing more factors as part of ENSO Suggestion: - I think there needs to be a bit more of introduction of what conditions define an El Nino vs. what conditions define La Nina (if used as a stand-alone activity)
This activity assumes prior knowledge of El Niño and ENSO (background materials and related learning materials are linked from the activity), and it helps students tie together their existing knowledge while gaining a deeper understanding for the ENSO and other cycles in the climate system. This resource puts real data at the fingertips of the students and asks them to determine patterns from it. Some of the data can be challenging for students to interpret, but that is part of the value of the activity. Several suggestions are given for helping students work through ambiguities. Student resources and an instructor's guide are provided. Assessment strategies and an answer key are provided. In many cases, the answers given by students will vary considerably, so the answer guide reflects this approach.