Question

question 2 of 10
what unusual pattern occurs during el niño?
a. warm water flows from south america to the west tropical pacific.
b. the trade winds weaken, or even blow backwards.
c. cool water flows from the western tropical pacific toward south america.
d. cool water flows north along the east coast of south america.

Explanation:

During El Niño, the trade winds that normally blow from east - to - west across the tropical Pacific weaken or even reverse direction. This change disrupts the normal ocean - atmosphere circulation patterns. Option A is incorrect as warm water moves from the western tropical Pacific to South America during El Niño. Option C is wrong because it is warm water that moves towards South America. Option D is incorrect as the typical pattern during El Niño is not about cool water flowing north along the east coast of South America.

Answer:

B. The trade winds weaken, or even blow backwards.