Question

Conditions in the South Pacific during the La Nina phase of ENSO, in comparison to the neutral phase of ENSO, include (choose all that apply):
a. sea surface temperatures in the Eastern Pacific are cooler
b. air pressure patterns reverse from the normal direction
c. easterly trade winds decrease in strength, or reverse to westerly
d. the prevailing rain pattern shifts west towards Australia
e. easterly trade winds are stronger
f. upwelling on the west coast of South America is stronger

Answer 1

Answer:

• a. sea surface temperatures in the Eastern Pacific are cooler.
• b. air pressure patterns reverse from the normal direction.
• d. the prevailing rain pattern shifts west towards Australia.
• e. easterly trade winds are stronger

Explanation:

• The El Nino and the La Nina are associated with the warm and the cool period of the ENSO system. And both affect the air and the water. During the La Nina conditions, the easterly trade winds are formed at the equator and get stronger than they usually are and thus these winds push the water in the western pacific and the cool water appears to form the eastern pacific.