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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is a primary cause of El Niño climate variations?
A
A decrease in solar radiation reaching the Earth's surface
B
A shift in Earth's magnetic field
C
A weakening of the trade winds in the Pacific Ocean
D
An increase in volcanic activity along the Pacific Ring of Fire
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of El Niño: El Niño is a climate phenomenon characterized by the warming of surface waters in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, which disrupts normal weather patterns globally.
Identify the role of trade winds: Normally, trade winds blow from east to west across the Pacific Ocean, pushing warm surface water toward the western Pacific and allowing cooler water to upwell in the eastern Pacific.
Recognize the impact of weakened trade winds: During El Niño, the trade winds weaken, reducing the westward movement of warm water. This leads to the accumulation of warm water in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean.
Eliminate incorrect options: A decrease in solar radiation, a shift in Earth's magnetic field, and increased volcanic activity are not directly related to the mechanisms of El Niño. These phenomena do not explain the warming of Pacific waters or the disruption of trade winds.
Conclude the primary cause: The weakening of the trade winds in the Pacific Ocean is the correct answer, as it directly leads to the conditions that define El Niño climate variations.