A warming of the ocean current along the coasts of Peru and Ecuador that is generally associated with dramatic changes in the weather patterns of the region; a major El Niño event generally occurs eve [..]

Abnormally warm ocean climate conditions, which in some years affect the Eastern coast of Latin America (centred on Peru) often around Christmas time. The anomaly is accompanied by dramatic changes in [..]

A significant increase in sea surface temperature over the eastern and central equatorial Pacific that occurs at irregular intervals, generally ranging between two and seven years. El Niño conditions, [..]

Southern Oscillation (ENSO) - The term El Niño was initially used to describe a warm-water current that periodically flows along the coast of Ecuador and Peru, disrupting the local fishery. It has sin [..]

A major warming of the equatorial waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean. El Niño events usually occur every three to seven years, and are related to shifts in global weather patterns. (Spanish for the & [..]

a band of anomalously warm ocean water temperatures that periodically develop off the pacific coast of South America. Extreme climate change pattern oscillations fluctuate weather across the Pacific O [..]

warm-water conditions off the western tropical coasts of the Americas, occurring irregularly but usually around Christmastime, caused by weakening trade winds and causing depleted fisheries, heavier-t [..]

an extensive warming of the central and eastern Pacific that leads to a major shift in weather patterns across the Pacific. In Australia (particularly eastern Australia), El Niño events are associated with an increased probability of drier conditions.

The most dominant pattern responsible for interannual, or year-to-year, climate variability across the globe. During an El Niño event, warmer-than-normal sea-surface temperatures occur in the central [..]

This cycle is characterized by unusually warm ocean temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. In Florida, El Niño increases the chances of above normal rainfall in the dry season.

A phase of the ocean-atmosphere oscillation in the Pacific Ocean characterized by unusually warm ocean temperatures in the equatorial Pacific and resulting in important consequences for weather around the globe; this condition typically brings rain and flooding to the U.S. Gulf states.

A warming of the surface waters of the tropical Pacific that occurs every 3 to 5 years, temporarily affecting weather worldwide.

A disruption of usual global wind flows, caused by unusually warm sea temperature in the western Pacific Ocean. Occurs irregularly at intervals of several years.

a warm inshore current annually flowing south along the coast of Ecuador. About every seven to ten years it extends down the coast of Peru , where it has a devastating effect.

A warming of the surface waters of the eastern equatorial Pacific that occurs at irregular intervals of 2-7 years, usually lasting 1-2 years. Along the west coast of South America, southerly winds pro [..]

Name given to the occasional development of warm ocean surface waters along the coast of Ecuador and Peru. When this warming occurs the tropical Pacific trade winds weaken and the usual upwelling of cold, nutrient rich deep ocean water off the coast of Ecuador and Peru is reduced. The El Niño normally occurs around Christmas and lasts usually for a [..]

The warm phase of the Southern Oscillation (SO). Characterized by the warming of the sea surface temperatures (SST) in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, beginning at about Christmas time (hence the name "El Niño", which is Spanish for "Christ child"). This causes the sardine population to die off [..]

A major weather pattern that starts in the Pacific Ocean. An El Niño happens when warm water near the equator gets blown across the ocean by tropical winds and ends up next to South America, Mexico, a [..]

A warming of the ocean current along the coasts of Peru and Ecuador that is generally associated with dramatic changes in the weather patterns of the region; a major El Niño event generally occurs every 3 to 7 years and is associated with changes in the weather patterns worldwide.

a Pacific-wide climate cycle that affects air pressure, wind, sea-surface temperature and rainfall on a several-year time scale.

The extensive warming of the central and eastern Pacific Ocean that leads to a major shift in weather patterns across the Pacific. In Australia (particularly eastern Australia), El Niño events are associated with cooler sea surface temperatures and an increased probability of drier conditions. See La Niña, ENSO.

An anomalous warming of surface ocean waters in the eastern tropical Pacific; accompanied by suppression of upwelling off the coasts of Peru and Ecuador.

a warm water current which periodically flows southwards along the coast of Ecuador and Peru in South America, replacing the usually cold northwards flowing current; occurs once every five to seven ye [..]

El Niño is a warm surface current that usually appears in the Pacific Ocean off Ecuador and Peru around Christmas, and lasts about three months. Every three to seven years it remains for as long as a year-and-a-half as part of a southern oscillation. In North America, this contributes to warmer temperatures along the Pacific coast and weaker hurric [..]

The cyclical warming of East Pacific Ocean sea water temperatures off the western coast of South America that can result in significant changes in weather patterns in the United States and elsewhere. This occurs when warm equatorial waters move in and displace the colder waters of the Humbolt Current, cutting off the upwelling process.

The term describes both warming of the Pacific Ocean off Peru and Ecuador and the much more extensive interactions between sea and air that occur across the equatorial Pacific. An El Niño event involves warm changes in sea surface temperature combined with changes in sea level pressure across the tropical ocean. El Niño events typically last a year [..]