El Niño and La Niña - Understanding the ENSO Phenomenon

Explore the El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon in this 50-minute lecture from Yale University's course on The Atmosphere, the Ocean and Environmental Change. Delve into the primary mode of variability in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, examining the oscillation between El Niño and La Niña states. Investigate measurements of sea surface temperature, sea level pressure, thermocline depth, and easterly trade wind strength to understand ENSO's impact on convective activity and coastal upwelling. Learn about the significance of ENSO for agriculture and fishing industries, and discover how to interpret ENSO indices and current data. The lecture also touches on the role of ice in the climate system and its physical properties, providing a comprehensive overview of these crucial environmental processes.