 |
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Warmer Water |
 |
| An El Niño occurs when the atmosphere and ocean waters interact to form warmer than normal water in the eastern and central Pacific Ocean. Sometimes an El Niño is followed by a La Niña whose effects on weather patterns are generally opposite to those caused by an El Niño. |
(Top) Normal sea surface temperatures. (Middle) Sea surface temperatures during an El Niño. Notice the red areas to the west of South America. (Bottom) Sea surface temperatures during a La Niña. Notice the blue areas to the west of South America. |
