El Niño and La Niña are two distinct phases of warming and cooling in the Pacific Ocean. This temperature fluctuation has a polarizing effect on coastal zones around the world, depending on the ocean's phase.
El Niño is a phenomenon where a pool of warm water in the Pacific Ocean warms, while La Niña is when ocean temperatures are significantly cooler than average. This is called the ENSO cycle (El Niño Southern Oscillation) and is a climate phenomenon specific to the Pacific Ocean. But what do both phases of the cycle actually mean?
What is the ENSO cycle?
The ENSO cycle is a changing, sliding scale of water temperature in the Pacific Ocean that largely determines weather patterns around the world.
The El Niño cycle lasts for approximately two to seven years, causing changes in sea surface temperatures and atmospheric pressure in the Pacific Ocean.
There are three phases: El Niño, when ocean temperatures are significantly above average; La Niña, when water temperatures are below average; and the ENSO neutral phase, the normal period when water temperatures are close to average.
The ENSO cycle's impact extends far beyond the potential for good surfing. This climate factor can impact agriculture worldwide, fisheries, and seasonal weather patterns.