W GEO A DT1: Climate Determinants

Question

Investigate each statement and select the one that best describes why southwest South America has a dry climate.
Responses

Southwest South America is in the intertropical convergence zone.
Southwest South America is in the intertropical convergence zone. - no response given

There is a cold ocean current on the west coast of South America.
There is a cold ocean current on the west coast of South America. - no response given

The Gulf Stream produces a dry climate in southwest South America.
The Gulf Stream produces a dry climate in southwest South America. - no response given

The northeast trade winds blow onto the west coast of South America.

Answer 1

The best statement that 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 (or Peru Current) in the Pacific Ocean helps create a dry climate in the region by cooling the air above it, which reduces humidity and precipitation.