Which oceanographic phenomenon during El Niño conditions suppresses coastal upwelling along the western coast of South America and causes severe drought in the Philippines?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. the eastward migration of warm equatorial surface waters and weakening of trade winds
- Step 1: During El Niño (ENSO warm phase), trade winds weaken and warm surface water flows eastward toward South America. Step 2. This shifts atmospheric convection away from the western Pacific, causing suppressed rainfall and severe drought in the Philippines. Answer: the eastward migration of warm equatorial surface waters and weakening of trade winds. Why not the others: Strong westward trade winds characterize La Niña.
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