Question

1. the graph to the right shows above and below average temperatures in the nino 3.4 region from the mid 1800s to 2017. what patterns do you notice over time? what has changed about el nino and la nina events since the 1800s?

Explanation:

• Patterns over time: The graph shows fluctuations in temperature around the \(0.0^{\circ}C\) mark. There are periods where the temperature is above \(0.0^{\circ}C\) (indicating El - Niño - like conditions) and below \(0.0^{\circ}C\) (indicating La - Niña - like conditions). The fluctuations seem to be somewhat irregular, but there are clusters of higher - amplitude (more extreme) temperature deviations over time.
• Changes since the 1800s: In the later part of the time series (closer to 2017), there appear to be more frequent and more intense (higher amplitude) El - Niño (\(>0.0^{\circ}C\)) and La - Niña (\(<0.0^{\circ}C\)) events. The overall spread of the temperature deviations (the range from the lowest to the highest temperature) may have increased. This could potentially be related to climate change, as a warmer climate system might be more prone to extreme climate events.

Answer:

• Patterns: Fluctuations around \(0.0^{\circ}C\) with irregular periods of above - average (El - Niño - like) and below - average (La - Niña - like) temperatures.
• Changes: More frequent and intense El - Niño and La - Niña events since the 1800s.