Pacific Ocean
On a planet where 75% of the surface is covered by water, the oceans play a crucial role in regulating the global climate, from the poles to the tropics. And it is there, in the tropical waters of the eastern Pacific, that a climatic phenomenon occurs which begins as a localized event but ends up having consequences across the entire Earth: El Niño.
In this article we will explain what the oceans are and how they affect the global climate so you can learn more about them and the influence they have on all parts of our planet.
What is the El Niño phenomenon?
El Niño is a cyclical phenomenon related to the warming of the waters of the eastern equatorial Pacific, occurring every three to eight years and lasting 8-10 months . It is the warm phase of the equatorial Pacific climate pattern known as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). This phenomenon causes countless and severe damage in the intertropical and equatorial zones, primarily due to intense rainfall.
Peruvian fishermen named it after the Christ Child, as a warm current appears every year around Christmas. It wasn't until 1960 that it was realized this wasn't just a local Peruvian phenomenon, but rather one with consequences throughout the tropical Pacific and even further afield . This has allowed for the study and documentation of the reasons behind El Niño , which has a widespread impact on the region and beyond.
It is not yet clear how the phenomenon develops, but meteorologist Jacob Bjerknes (1897-1975) linked the high temperatures of the oceanic surface with weak winds from the east and the intense rains that accompanied them.
Later, another meteorologist, Abraham Levy, pointed out that the ocean water, which is cold during the fall and winter, warms up, and as a result, the air temperature rises . Warm water currents travel beneath the sea, from Australia to Peru. Furthermore, these currents are essential to understanding the incredible power of El Niño and its effects on global weather.
How is the phenomenon detected?
Because it can have devastating consequences, it is crucial to have systems in place to detect it early. This allows for timely measures to be taken to prevent as many deaths as possible. To this end, satellites and floating buoys are used, and the sea is analyzed to determine the surface conditions of the equatorial seas. Wind patterns are also studied, as a change in wind direction can indicate that El Niño is about to occur. Studies such as the one conducted by [name of study missing] are also vital for understanding its occurrence.
What influence does it have on the climate?
El Niño, a phenomenon that has occurred for millennia, has a significant influence on the world's climate. In fact, it could currently alter the climatic conditions of a region so drastically that, due to population growth, it is becoming urgent for affected countries to take truly effective measures to address its effects. This is because, following its development, changes occur in temperatures and in rainfall and wind patterns across the planet.
Let's know what its effects are:
- Globally: temperature records, changes in atmospheric circulation, the appearance of diseases difficult to eradicate (such as cholera), loss of plants and animals.
- In South America: decrease in atmospheric pressure, heating of the Humboldt Current and very humid periods during which rainfall is very intense.
- Southeast Asia: low cloud formation, significant droughts and decrease in ocean temperature.
Even so, it's important to keep in mind that no two El Niño events are the same . This means that the areas affected last time may not be affected again. They will have a higher probability, yes, but it can't be known for sure. Hence the need for continuous monitoring, such as that carried out to ensure compliance with climate agreements and the advancement of research on the subject.
Relationship between El Niño and climate change
While the exact effect of climate change on the El Niño phenomenon is still unknown, several scientists pointed out in a 2014 study published in the journal Nature that the frequency and intensity of the phenomenon are likely to increase as the planet's average global temperature rises. However, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) does not consider this link proven. Why?
Well, the answer is that when we talk about climate change, we're talking about climate trends, while the El Niño phenomenon is a natural variability . However, there are other meteorologists, like Jorge Carrasco, who do agree with the study that in a warmer world, the intensity and frequency of El Niño will increase. This can be related to the article about the impact of climate change on the population and the complex interactions between these phenomena.
As we have seen, El Niño is a phenomenon that can have many and important consequences in various parts of the world. For our own safety, it is important to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to prevent the temperature from continuing to rise, because if we do not, in addition to the effects of climate change, we will have to protect ourselves from a more intense El Niño phenomenon.
