Which weather phenomenon is often associated with the trade winds near the equatorial trough?

Prepare for the New Zealand CPL Meteorology Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question offers hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

The phenomenon that is often associated with the trade winds near the equatorial trough is cumulus clouds. The equatorial trough, also known as the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), is characterized by converging trade winds from both hemispheres. As these winds meet, warm, moist air is lifted, leading to the formation of cumulus clouds.

Cumulus clouds form as a result of the vertical rise of warm, moist air; they develop when the air rises, cools, and condenses, creating puffy white clouds that are typically seen in fair weather. In the tropics, particularly near the equatorial trough, this process occurs frequently, which is why cumulus clouds are commonly observed in this region.

While thunderstorms and squalls can emerge from conditions that are present in the equatorial region—often fueled by the same warm, moist air—cumulus clouds are the initial stage of this cloud development process, making them the most directly associated phenomenon with the trade winds near the ITCZ.

Heavy fog, on the other hand, is generally formed in more complex weather conditions, typically involving temperature inversions and high humidity near the surface, rather than the warm air rising characteristic of cumulus cloud formation. Therefore, cum

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