Topic: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
3. Compare and contrast between El-Nino and La-Nina. How does El-Nino impact Indian Monsoon? Can better prediction models help mitigate its adverse impact? (250 words)
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
There is a growing body of research suggesting that climate change can cause extreme and more frequent El Nino and La Nina events.
Key Demand of the question:
To differentiate between El-Nino and La-Nina, write its impact and to comment on the efficacy of prediction models in mitigating its impact.
Directive word:
Compare and contrast – provide for a detailed comparison of the two types, their features that are similar as well as different. One must provide for detailed assessment of the two.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin the answer by writing about the cyclical phenomenon El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO).
Body:
In the first part, bring out the difference between El-Nino and La-Nina on the basis of their occurrence, mechanism, frequency of occurrence, duration, conditions required to occur etc.
Next, in detail write about how the El-Nino negatively impacts the monsoon rainfall and bring out its impact.
Next, write about new prediction models such as supercomputing etc which can help us better predict these extreme events and their efficacy.
Conclusion:
Pass a judgement as to if better information via prediction model can lead to better mitigation of adverse effects.
