Question

Across most of the tropical Pacific, the winds were directed generally ________ and were stronger in the central and eastern Pacific.

a) Eastward
b) Westward
c) Northward
d) Southward

Answer 1

The predominant winds across the tropical Pacific are known as the trade winds, and they are generally directed b. westward, with stronger winds observed in the central and eastern parts of the Pacific.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question pertains to wind patterns in the tropical Pacific region. In this region, the predominant winds are called the trade winds. These winds generally blow from the east towards the west, due to the Earth's rotation and the movement of high and low-pressure systems. Thus, the winds in this area are typically directed westward and are known to be stronger in the central and eastern Pacific due to factors like the Walker Circulation.

During certain climatic phenomena such as El Niño, these wind patterns can change significantly, affecting weather patterns globally. In a typical scenario, however, the consistent westerly trade winds are a defining feature of tropical Pacific weather.