Final answer:
During neutral conditions, surface water is commonly driven towards the west by the prevailing winds, demonstrating the influence of wind patterns on ocean currents.
Step-by-step explanation:
The large white, open arrows provide surface ocean current information. The surface current arrows indicate that during neutral conditions, surface water flows towards the west driven by the prevailing winds. The correct answer is b) West.
Prevailing winds, such as the trade winds, generally move from east to west in the tropics, which influences the direction of surface currents in the ocean. In the context of the neutral phase of ocean-atmospheric phenomena like the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), ocean currents can be expected to follow these prevailing wind patterns, leading to a westward flow. These currents have a significant impact on global climate patterns and marine navigation.