What influence do trade winds have during normal ENSO conditions?

The influence of trade winds during normal ENSO conditions is characterized by their consistent flow from east to west across the tropics. This east-to-west movement is a fundamental aspect of the ocean-atmosphere interaction in the equatorial Pacific. During normal conditions, the trade winds drive warm surface waters westward, contributing to the development of a warm pool in the western Pacific and upwelling of cooler waters in the eastern Pacific.

This consistent pattern not only affects ocean temperatures but also impacts weather patterns globally, leading to normal precipitation patterns in regions like Southeast Asia and the western Pacific.

The other options do not accurately describe the behavior of trade winds under normal ENSO conditions. For example, the trade winds are not characterized as weak and variable; rather, they maintain a steady strength. They do not cause drastic temperature changes on their own since they are part of a larger system that balances atmospheric and oceanic conditions. Lastly, trade winds do not alternate direction monthly; their direction and intensity are relatively stable during normal ENSO conditions.