EL NIÑO'S POWERFUL REACH   What is
El Niņo?
Clues From
the Past
Long Distance
Connections
Winners &
Losers
El Niņo
Lowdown

Left 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 The View From Space Right

El Niņos occur because the atmosphere and oceans interact. Instruments aboard satellites detect changes in the oceans and atmosphere. Changes include:
  • Temperature of ocean surface water
  • Height (elevation) of the ocean's surface
  • Wind speed and direction
Learn more about David Adamec's research...

NASA scientist David Adamec
NASA scientist David Adamec
Click to View Animation
David Adamec tells how satellite data help us understand El Niņos. Click to view animation.