Not as much as we thought El Nino might. There is a lot in play. Higher temperature makes water less dense. Lower temperature makes water more dense causing the surface of the ocean to drop. This not only alters ocean surface height, but also gives rise to currents. read more
Not as much as we thought El Nino might. There is a lot in play. Higher temperature makes water less dense. Lower temperature makes water more dense causing the surface of the ocean to drop. read more
By Joan B. Rose, Ph.D. El Niño (Spanish for"Christ Child") refers to a warming of the tropical Pacific Ocean with changes in wind velocity and atmospheric pressure. This climate variability dramatically affects the frequency and intensity of storms. read more
The vast tropical Pacific Ocean receives more sunlight that any other region on Earth. Much of this sunlight is stored in the ocean in the form of heat. During an El Niño water temperatures in the Pacific Ocean may rise on average 3 - 5 degrees above average. read more