ENSO
Science & Engineering abbreviation · Environmental
| Stands for | El Niño-Southern Oscillation |
|---|---|
| Categories | Science & Engineering |
ENSO stands for El Niño-Southern Oscillation, an environmental abbreviation.
Irregular climate cycle in the tropical Pacific Ocean, alternating every two to seven years between El Niño (warmer surface waters in the central and eastern Pacific) and La Niña (cooler waters), with neutral periods in between. ENSO shifts rainfall, storms and temperatures around the world.
Example: Forecasters say a developing El Niño phase of ENSO could bring a wetter winter to the southern United States.
Usage notes
Peruvian fishermen named the warm current El Niño, "the boy," after the Christ child, because it often appeared around Christmas. British scientist Gilbert Walker described the atmospheric Southern Oscillation in the 1920s, and Jacob Bjerknes linked the two in 1969. Strong El Niño years, such as 2023-2024, tend to raise global average temperatures.
Related abbreviations
More environmental abbreviations
- DAC – Direct air capture
- DO – Dissolved oxygen
- EIA – Environmental impact assessment
- EIS – Environmental impact statement
- EMS – Environmental management system
- EN – Endangered
- EPD – Environmental product declaration
- EPR – Extended producer responsibility
- ETS – Emissions trading system
- GHG – Greenhouse gas
- GMST – Global mean surface temperature
- GWP – Global warming potential