Visualizing the Pacific's massive climate shift from La Niña to El Niño

This NASA visualization tracks the complex interplay between ocean currents and atmospheric patterns during the 2021 to 2023 climate transition. It provides a rare, data-driven look at how the Pacific environment reorganizes itself, moving beyond simple diagrams to show real-world model outputs.

The transition between these two climate states involves significant shifts in the upper 300 meters of the Pacific Ocean. Key physical changes include the relaxation of the thermocline and the eastward migration of warm temperature anomalies. These oceanic movements are intrinsically linked to the lower atmosphere, specifically the Walker Circulation.

This project marks a milestone by mapping the convective branch of the Walker Circulation as it traverses the Pacific. By utilizing verified data products from NASA and NOAA, the visualization offers a precise view of these global weather drivers, which influence patterns of drought and rainfall worldwide.

Source: Changes in the Atmosphere and Ocean During a Transition From La Niña to El Niño