MasteryExams
Geography • Physical GeographyHard

Which phenomenon refers to the complete reversal of atmospheric pressure patterns between the eastern and western tropical Pacific Ocean during an El Niño or La Niña event?

A. Coriolis Effect
B. Southern Oscillation✓ Correct Answer
C. Rossby Wave
D. Ekman Spiral

💡 Solution & Explanation

The Southern Oscillation represents the see-saw pattern of atmospheric surface pressure fluctuations between the tropical eastern and western Pacific Ocean, forming the atmospheric component of the El Nino Southern Oscillation cycle. Other forces like the Coriolis effect describe the apparent deflection of moving objects caused by planetary rotation. Geography questions routinely link the Southern Oscillation with global climate anomalies and monsoon variations.

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