It’s been 50 years since the first attempt to forecast the El Niño/Southern Oscillation. So, what is ENSO and why is it so important to anticipate the timing of the cycle?
50 years of getting ENSO predictions *mostly* correct Read More >
With the current El Niño in full force, researchers are still puzzling over the 2020–2023 La Niña that upended current understanding of El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) dynamics. The three consecutive years of La Niña conditions – a rare “triple-dip” phenomenon – had widespread impacts on the ocean and climate across the globe. While triple-dip La Niñas have happened before, this one was notable in that it did not conform to conventional theories on how these extended La Niñas develop, leaving scientists searching for clues to explain what caused it.
Recent “Triple-Dip” La Niña upends current understanding of ENSO Read More >
Special issue of Oceanography explores the lab’s history and accomplishments Fifty years ago, NOAA created a new environmental research laboratory in Seattle with an initial
The Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory at 50 Read More >
The surface temperatures of about 40% of the global ocean are already high enough to meet the criteria for a marine heatwave — a period of persistent anomalously warm ocean temperatures — which can have significant impacts on marine life as well as coastal communities and economies. The new forecast by the Physical Sciences Laboratory (PSL) projects that it will increase to 50% by September, and it could stay that way through the end of the year.
Global ocean roiled by marine heatwaves, with more on the way Read More >
A new book published by the American Geophysical Union provides first detailed examination of how climate change may influence El Niño and La Niña.
How will climate change change El Niño and La Niña? Read More >
