Topic #2 - El Nino/Southern Oscillation

You can earn up to 7 points for report content and up to 5 pts for writing quality.


Content

You should explain what the terms El Nino and Southern Oscillation each refer to (when reading be careful to distinquish between the weak short-lived El Nino phenomenon which occurs every year and the stronger longer-lived events that occur every few years).  Try to describe or illustrate conditions in the tropical Pacific Ocean during non - El Nino years and during a major El Nino event (you may also describe conditions during a La Nina event).  What unusual weather or climatic conditions might you expect to see in the US during a major El Nino event?

Writing Quality

Explain the material in your own words - your report should be your understanding and explanation of the material.  Avoid generalites, try to include specific details and examples from the reading section.  The separate sections or paragraphs of your paper should blend together into one seamless coherent report.  Your report should be nearly free of misspelled words and grammatical errors. Remember 1S1P reports must be double spaced and must fit onto one side of one page.