Off the coast of Chile and Peru, ocean currents and winds cause a rising of cold, nutrient-
laden water. This enrichment of the ocean's surface layer results in an abundant plankton
crop, which in turn supports large fish and seabird populations.
El Nino is the name for a set of oceanographic conditions that occurs every 5 to 8 years,
causing disturbances in Earth's biological and weather systems. El Nino (Spanish for
"Christ child") gets its name from the fact that it usually happens around Christmas.
El Nino occurs when trade winds that drive the currents weaken and fail. In the ocean, the
supply of nutrients is cut off, and rather sterile warm water kills off the plankton. The fish
and seabirds starve.
Dramatic changes also take place in the world's weather. As the trade winds subside, the
wind patterns around the globe are disrupted. For example, the normally cool European
continent may experience prolonged periods of torrid temperatures as its normal wind
patterns change. El Nino's effects may be felt for as long as 2 years at a time.
According to the passage, El Nino occurs with failed trade winds. Thus, a conclusion that
can be drawn is that a resumption of trade winds off the coast of South America is likely to
result in what phenomena?
O
O
O
A. an end to El Nino conditions
B. a continuation in high European temperatures
C. an increase in weather disruptions
D. a major anchovy and tuna migration
E. a condition known as El Aguaje
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