1:45 PM - 3:15 PM
[O08-P32] Experiment and Educational Material Development on El Niño Phenomenon
Keywords:Weather, Teaching Materials, El Niño Phenomenon, Experiments
[Introduction] The El Niño phenomenon is a phenomenon in which the trade winds weaken in the vicinity of the International Date Line near the equatorial Pacific, causing warm seawater accumulated to the west to spread eastward, while upwelling of cold water diminishes in the east. This phenomenon can be explained by the strength of the trade winds. Changes in the distribution of warm seawater alter the distribution of atmospheric water vapor, leading to a climate different from normal conditions. In Japan, this results in cooler summers and milder winters, though the effects vary by region. Understanding the El Niño phenomenon more accurately is crucial, as it can trigger global climate changes. In this study, we conducted experiments to replicate the El Niño phenomenon in the laboratory and developed teaching materials about it.
[Purpose] The purpose is to develop experiments on the El Niño phenomenon and create teaching materials to facilitate a deeper understanding of it.
[Method & Results] [Experiment] Different temperature water was colored and gently layered in a tank. By placing plastic wrap on the water surface during pouring, we could neatly layer the water without mixing. Additionally, to make temperature changes clearer, cold water was set to around 5°C, and warm water to approximately 60°C. Trade winds were simulated using a hairdryer, and by stopping the airflow, we replicated the El Niño phenomenon. Temperature was measured at the surface and mid-level, and the temperature changes at 2-second intervals were graphed. As a result, stopping the hairdryer's airflow led to an increase in surface water temperature, suggesting successful replication of the El Niño phenomenon experimentally.
[Teaching Materials] While the experiment successfully replicated temperature changes, it couldn't represent changes in water vapor and other factors. Therefore, attempts were made to develop teaching materials using drawing paper or similar materials to visually represent the strength of trade winds, movement of surface water, and distribution of water vapor simultaneously for better understanding.
[Conclusion] Through this study, we gained not only a theoretical understanding from textbooks and reference materials but also the ability to comprehend the El Niño phenomenon through practical experiments. Furthermore, utilizing self-made teaching materials can lead to a deeper understanding of the phenomenon.
[Purpose] The purpose is to develop experiments on the El Niño phenomenon and create teaching materials to facilitate a deeper understanding of it.
[Method & Results] [Experiment] Different temperature water was colored and gently layered in a tank. By placing plastic wrap on the water surface during pouring, we could neatly layer the water without mixing. Additionally, to make temperature changes clearer, cold water was set to around 5°C, and warm water to approximately 60°C. Trade winds were simulated using a hairdryer, and by stopping the airflow, we replicated the El Niño phenomenon. Temperature was measured at the surface and mid-level, and the temperature changes at 2-second intervals were graphed. As a result, stopping the hairdryer's airflow led to an increase in surface water temperature, suggesting successful replication of the El Niño phenomenon experimentally.
[Teaching Materials] While the experiment successfully replicated temperature changes, it couldn't represent changes in water vapor and other factors. Therefore, attempts were made to develop teaching materials using drawing paper or similar materials to visually represent the strength of trade winds, movement of surface water, and distribution of water vapor simultaneously for better understanding.
[Conclusion] Through this study, we gained not only a theoretical understanding from textbooks and reference materials but also the ability to comprehend the El Niño phenomenon through practical experiments. Furthermore, utilizing self-made teaching materials can lead to a deeper understanding of the phenomenon.