In an El Niño year, trade winds are too weak to send warm currents west. Instead, warm currents travel east into South America. What is the end result of this difference in an El Niño year?(1 point)
Responses
Equatorial winds are particularly strong.
Equatorial winds are particularly strong.
Areas see significant changes in temperature and levels of precipitation.
Areas see significant changes in temperature and levels of precipitation.
Areas of North America have a colder winter.
Areas of North America have a colder winter.
Warm water pools toward the west.
Areas see significant changes in temperature and levels of precipitation.
The end result of this difference in an El Niño year is that areas see significant changes in temperature and levels of precipitation.
The correct answer is: Areas see significant changes in temperature and levels of precipitation.
During an El Niño year, the weakened trade winds fail to push warm surface currents towards the west as they normally would. This causes the warm surface waters that are usually found in the western Pacific to move eastward, towards the coast of South America. As a result, the ocean temperatures off the coast of South America become abnormally warm.
This warming of the ocean has various effects on weather patterns around the world. One major impact is that it disrupts the normal patterns of atmospheric convection and the distribution of warm and cold air masses. This, in turn, leads to significant changes in temperature and levels of precipitation in many areas. Some regions may experience heavier rainfall, while others may see drought conditions.
It is also important to note that the specific effects of an El Niño event can vary depending on the geographical location and seasonal factors. Hence, it is crucial to consider local climatic conditions and historical data to accurately assess the impact of El Niño on specific regions.