Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
La Niña is a climate pattern that occurs when the surface waters of the Pacific Ocean become unusually cool, leading to changes in weather patterns around the world.
El Niño is the opposite of La Niña, where the surface waters of the Pacific Ocean become unusually warm. This can also lead to changes in weather patterns.
The thermocline refers to a layer in large bodies of water where there is a rapid change in temperature with depth. It plays a role in ocean circulation and affects marine life distribution.
ENSO (El Niño-Southern Oscillation): ENSO refers to both El Nino and La Nina events collectively. It describes the interaction between the ocean and atmosphere in the tropical Pacific, influencing global weather patterns.