What is the main result of the El Nino Effect?

Study for the Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) Integrated Science (024) Exam. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations to prep for your test. Ace your exam!

The main result of the El Niño Effect is indeed a warm current created by a rise in surface water temperature. El Niño is characterized by the periodic warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, which significantly impacts weather patterns globally. This warming disrupts normal oceanic and atmospheric circulation, leading to a variety of climatic changes.

For instance, as the sea surface temperature rises, it affects the trade winds, often causing them to weaken. This change in wind patterns can lead to increased precipitation in some areas, such as the western coast of South America, and drier conditions in others, like Australia and Southeast Asia. The phenomenon can result in extreme weather events, including heavy rains and floods in some regions, while sparking droughts in others, further highlighting how the warm current directly drives these shifts rather than the cooler or stable conditions suggested by other options in the question.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy