Consider the following statements regarding the El-Niño phenomenon: 1. El-Niño is associated with the replacement of the cold Peruvian (Humboldt) current by a warm equatorial current off the coast of Peru. 2. It leads to a rise in sea surface temperature, which reduces plankton availability and affects fish populations. 3. In India, El-Niño events have no impact on the timing of the southwest monsoon. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? |ForumIAS

[A] 1 and 2 only

[B] 2 and 3 only

[C] 1 and 3 only

[D] 1, 2 and 3

Answer: A

Notes:

Explanation:

El-Niño is a climatic phenomenon characterized by the replacement of the cold Humboldt (Peruvian) current with a warm equatorial current in the Pacific Ocean, especially off the coast of Peru and Ecuador. This disrupts the normal upwelling of nutrient-rich cold water, significantly altering weather patterns.
The rise in sea surface temperatures during El-Niño inhibits the upwelling of nutrient-rich water, leading to a drop in plankton population, which forms the base of the marine food chain. As a result, fish populations, especially anchovies, decline drastically, affecting fisheries.
El-Niño does impact the Indian southwest monsoon, typically leading to weaker monsoon rains and, in some cases, drought-like conditions.

Source: India Physical Environment (Class 11th NCERT)

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