EL-NINO is also called as .

Key Points

• EL-NINO is a climate phenomenon that refers to the warming of the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.
• The term "Southern Oscillation" was first introduced by Sir Gilbert Walker and it refers to the cyclic pattern of atmospheric pressure differences between the eastern and western Pacific Ocean.
• EL-NINO is closely associated with the Southern Oscillation, and together they are referred to as the ENSO (El-Nino Southern Oscillation).
• The Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) is often used to measure the strength of the EL-NINO phenomenon by calculating the pressure differences between Tahiti and Darwin, Australia.

Additional Information

• Southern Oscillation:
  • The Southern Oscillation refers to the atmospheric component of the ENSO cycle.
  • It is characterized by fluctuations in air pressure over the tropical Pacific Ocean.
  • A positive Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) indicates La-NINA conditions, while a negative SOI indicates EL-NINO conditions.
  • Monitoring the Southern Oscillation is essential for understanding and predicting global climate anomalies.
• ENSO Cycle:
  • The ENSO cycle includes EL-NINO (warm phase), La-NINA (cold phase), and Neutral conditions.
  • It is one of the most important climate drivers affecting weather patterns worldwide.
  • ENSO impacts include changes in rainfall, temperature, and storm activity across the globe.
  • The ENSO cycle is monitored using satellite data, ocean buoys, and atmospheric models.