Learn how conditions in the Pacific Ocean result in El Niño, how El Niño changes weather patterns, and why it's difficult to predict what effect El Niño will have in any given year. Welcome to Chaos Theory.

Concepts

el nino, weather forecasting, oceanography, severe weather

Show More Show Less

Additional Tags

science

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• Use the video during a lesson on meteorology

Classroom Considerations

• Video begins by stating the El Niño has been in the news recently; this may not be the case when watching the video
• Learners should already be familiar with the Coriolis effect and trade winds

• This video is hosted on YouTube

Pros

• Simple analogy promotes understanding
• Graphic shows top view and side view of ocean to help see the forces at work

Cons

• None