Climate Patterns Explained Practice Test

Refer to the map showing prevailing winds (arrows) blowing from the ocean toward land across Coast C, then continuing inland toward Interior D. The map also shows a mountain range between the coast and the interior. Long-term climate data (30-year averages) indicate Coast C is wet most months, while Interior D is much drier.

Which statement is supported by the wind pattern and the mountain location on the map (remember: climate is long-term averages, not one rainy season)?

A map shows a large-scale wind pattern that usually brings moist air from the ocean toward Region P. The map also shows that in some years the wind pattern weakens, and a cool water area expands near the coast. Long-term records indicate that when the usual winds weaken for several months, Region P often has a drier-than-average year, but its overall climate is still described using many decades of data.

If the usual moist onshore wind pattern were absent for many years (not just one season), which climate outcome would you predict for Region P based on the map evidence?