The hidden underwater wave that dictates global weather patterns
In short: While El Niño is often discussed as a surface phenomenon, its true engine is a massive underwater movement. This video explains how a specific ocean wave transports heat across the Pacific to trigger extreme weather worldwide.
The catalyst for El Niño is the Kelvin Wave, an underwater phenomenon trapped along the Equator by the Earth's spin and the Coriolis Effect. Because of these physical constraints, these waves are forced to travel exclusively from west to east across the Pacific Ocean.
While the surface might only show a subtle swell, the Kelvin Wave can cause a massive 50-meter shift in the thermocline. By transporting warm water eastward, these waves initiate the global impacts of El Niño, including shifted storm tracks, floods, and droughts.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: The Hidden Ocean Wave Triggering El Niño Explained
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