El Niño–Southern Oscillation models

Summary

El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is an irregular oscillation of the coupled ocean and atmosphere of the tropical Pacific. Its warm (El Niño) and cold (La Niña) phases recur every two to seven years. ENSO models are mathematical models that explain and predict this oscillation. The simplest are conceptual models with one or two variables, such as the delayed oscillator and the recharge oscillator. Then come intermediate models such as the Zebiak–Cane model, and full coupled climate models. The conceptual models show how an oscillation arises from two feedbacks. One is a positive feedback between winds and sea surface temperature; the other is a delayed negative feedback carried by ocean waves.