El Niño is a well- known weather phenomenon. In Ecuador and Peru, fisherman knew about the phenomena long before it was well known because their fishing would be very poor during El Niño conditions. Normally Peru and Ecuador have a remarkable fishery because there is a prominent upwelling along the coast producing planktonic blooms that feed the entire ecosystem. This upwelling is driven by surface wind conditions. From your knowledge of currents and wind conditions, which of the following happens during El Niño conditions in this area?
A) The winds change from east to west offshore flow. to onshore flow or weak winds during El Niño conditions.
B) The winds shift from prevailing southwesterlies to stagnant, doldrum conditions during El Niño.
C) The winds shift from west to east onshore flow. to offshore flow east to west. during El Niño conditions.
D) The winds shift from south to north, along the coast, to west to east, across the coast.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During El Niño conditions, the wind conditions shift from east to west (offshore flow) to onshore flow or weak winds. These changes in wind patterns disrupt the upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich water along the coasts of Peru and Ecuador, leading to a decrease in planktonic blooms and ultimately affecting the entire marine ecosystem.

El Niño Is a Well- Known Weather Phenomenon