Civil Service Exam Reviewer · Reading Comprehension · medium

El Niño and La Niña

El Niño and La Niña are opposite phases of a natural climate pattern in the tropical Pacific Ocean. During El Niño, surface waters in the central and eastern Pacific become warmer than usual. This shift changes wind and rainfall patterns around the world. In the Philippines, El Niño typically brings below-normal rainfall, leading to drought, lower dam levels and damaged crops. La Niña, by contrast, is marked by cooler-than-usual waters in the same region. It often brings above-normal rainfall to the Philippines, increasing the risk of floods and landslides. Neither phase is permanent; each usually lasts several months to a year or more, and there are also neutral periods in between. Because both phases affect agriculture, water supply and public health, government agencies monitor ocean temperatures closely. Early warnings allow farmers to adjust planting schedules, water utilities to manage reserves and local governments to prepare for disasters.

Which statement best summarizes the passage?

  1. El Niño always causes floods in the Philippines
  2. El Niño and La Niña are opposite climate phases with different effects on the Philippines, so they are closely monitored
  3. La Niña is a permanent climate condition
  4. Ocean temperatures do not affect rainfall

Answer

B. El Niño and La Niña are opposite climate phases with different effects on the Philippines, so they are closely monitored

Solution

The passage contrasts the two phases, their effects and the need for monitoring.

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