Question

A strong El Nino is characterized by __________________.

A. the arrival of warm ocean water to Peru and Ecuador near Christmastime
B. high atmospheric pressure over the eastern Pacific Ocean resulting in trade winds that blow toward the equator from the north and south
C. a southern jet stream branch that flows eastward bringing higher rainfall to the southeastern United States and helping break apart Atlantic and Caribbean storms resulting in fewer hurricanes
D. heavy rainstorms in the western United States
E. All of these choices are correct.

Answer 1

A strong El Niño is characterized by the arrival of warm ocean waters to South America, a shift in atmospheric pressure patterns, an eastward-flowing southern jet stream resulting in altered rainfall in the US, and fewer hurricanes and heavy rainstorms in the western US. Therefore, all listed choices are correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

A strong El Niño is characterized by multiple factors impacting global weather patterns. The correct characterization of a strong El Niño includes the arrival of warm ocean water to Peru and Ecuador near Christmastime. Additionally, it involves a shift in atmospheric conditions, where there is low atmospheric pressure over the eastern Pacific Ocean, and weakened trade winds.

This can lead to a southern jet stream branch that flows eastward, bringing higher rainfall to the southeastern United States and disrupting Atlantic and Caribbean storms, potentially resulting in fewer hurricanes. Furthermore, a strong El Niño may also be associated with heavy rainstorms in the western United States.