Hydrosphere: El Nino and Kelp

This case study of the 1997 El Nino year helps students relate global environmental phenomena (El Nino) to small-scale impacts (Kelp forests).

Summary:

The lesson, "El Nino and the kelp forest" introduces students to normal seasonal sea surface temperature (SST) variation as well as extreme variation, as in the case of El Niño event in 1997.

After completing this investigation students will understand what normal environmental conditions are, and the variation caused by extreme events. Students than examine the impact of sea temperature variation in extreme cases (El Niño) on the kelp forests of the Pacific coast of the United States.

Students conclude their investigation by using the historical distribution of kelp as an indication of past seasonal variation.

This activity is available for download at the My World Activity Center. Click on the Activity Center link and look for the activity entitled:

"El Nino and Kelp Activity"

Here's what you need:

• My World GIS

My World GIS is a Geographic Information System (GIS) designed by educators specifically for learning with a GIS--not about a GIS. It is a powerful mapping and analytical tool that provides visual representation of data in a geographic context.

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