El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a coupled ocean–atmosphere phenomenon centered in the tropical Pacific, characterized by quasi-periodic fluctuations between warm (El Niño), cold (La Niña), and neutral phases. It arises from interactions between equatorial Pacific sea surface temperature anomalies, changes in thermocline depth, and variations in trade winds and the Walker circulation. ENSO modulates global atmospheric circulation, influencing precipitation patterns, temperature anomalies, and extreme weather frequency worldwide. It is a primary source of interannual climate variability and is represented and predicted in climate models using indices such as Niño 3.4 and the Southern Oscillation Index, with substantial implications for seasonal forecasting and climate impact assessments.
Isoprene is a volatile organic compound (VOC) that is produced naturally by plants. More than 500 megatonnes of isoprene are emitted each year into Earth's atmosphere, primarily from tropical forests. Soils are recognized ...
Earth Sciences
Jun 30, 2026
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Forecasters expect the El Niño now underway in the tropical Pacific to strengthen into a strong or very strong climate driver later this year.
Ecology
Jun 30, 2026
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Governments, corporations and other institutions must all play constructive roles in mitigating the impacts of climate change. Universities, too, can and must help with that effort.
Environment
Jun 26, 2026
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The record-breaking heat that's scorching Europe day and night this month would not have been possible without climate change, according to a new study.
Environment
Jun 26, 2026
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Sweltering temperatures are shattering records across Europe as the continent battles a deadly heat wave. On Tuesday and Wednesday, France endured its hottest days in history, with western regions reaching highs between 39°C ...
Environment
Jun 25, 2026
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Long-awaited monsoon rains arrived in India's financial capital, Mumbai, on Tuesday, cooling weeks of blazing heat despite persistent fears of water shortages, with total rainfall so far staying below the long-term average.
Environment
Jun 23, 2026
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Florida State University researchers have identified key differences in the root causes of long-term sea-surface temperature changes across the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, a finding that could help guide future research ...
Earth Sciences
Jun 17, 2026
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Spain registered its third-warmest year on record in 2025, with 25 single-day heat records set during the period, national weather agency AEMET said Wednesday.
Environment
Jun 17, 2026
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India will prepare contingency plans to help farmers weather potential low rainfall linked to the El Niño weather system, agriculture officials said Tuesday.
Environment
Jun 16, 2026
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In a strong El Niño winter, normally dry regions can suddenly drown in rain. NASA notes that "typically dry regions can experience nearly two times as much rain during a strong El Niño." Indeed, the blockbuster El Niños of ...
