Question

The lower panel of October 2010 Anomalies shows the Pacific SST anomalies along the Equator being almost all negative, denoted by the dashed lines, with the most negative departures dropping below ________ C°. This relatively cool [compared to the long-term average or Neutral ('Normal') Conditions] water is characteristic of La Niña.

a) 0
b) -1
c) -2
d) -3

Answer 1

Option D: The Pacific SST anomalies depicted for October 2010 indicate that the most negative temperature departures on the Equator dropped below -3°C, a sign of La Niña conditions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The temperature anomalies along the Equator in October 2010 dropped below -3°C, indicating La Niña conditions. The Pacific SST anomalies along the Equator in October 2010 were predominantly negative, which is characteristic of the cooler waters associated with La Niña. During this time, the lower panel of the graph or data provided showed that the most negative departures from average sea surface temperatures dropped below -3°C. This indicates that the answer to the student's question is d) -3. La Niña and its counterpart, El Niño, are part of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle, which has significant impacts on global climate patterns.

The Pacific SST anomalies along the Equator in October 2010 dropped below -3°C, indicating La Niña conditions. The negative anomalies, denoted by dashed lines, were predominantly cool water characteristic of La Niña. The lower panel of the graph showed that the most negative departures dropped below -3°C, supporting the existence of La Niña. Therefore, the correct answer is d) -3.