Question

Investigate each statement and select the one that best describes why southwest South America has a dry climate.(1 point)%0D%0AResponses%0D%0A%0D%0AThere is a cold ocean current on the west coast of South America.%0D%0AThere is a cold ocean current on the west coast of South America.%0D%0A%0D%0AThe Gulf Stream produces a dry climate in southwest South America.%0D%0AThe Gulf Stream produces a dry climate in southwest South America.%0D%0A%0D%0AThe northeast trade winds blow onto the west coast of South America.%0D%0AThe northeast trade winds blow onto the west coast of South America.%0D%0A%0D%0ASouthwest South America is in the intertropical convergence zone.

Answer 1

The statement that best describes why southwest South America has a dry climate is:

**There is a cold ocean current on the west coast of South America.**

The cold Humboldt Current, also known as the Peruvian Current, travels up the western coast of South America and contributes to the dry conditions in areas like southern Peru and northern Chile by reducing evaporation and inhibiting precipitation.