When was the term La Niña first used in climate science?
Quick Answer
La Niña was identified later than El Niño, with the term becoming established in the 20th century. It describes the cooler phase of the same ocean-atmosphere pattern.
The Full Story
La Niña emerged as a scientific term in the 20th century as researchers refined the broader ENSO climate pattern. It refers to periods when sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific are cooler than average. These events can bring contrasting weather effects to many parts of the world, including altered rainfall, stronger trade winds, and shifts in storm tracks. Together with El Niño, La Niña became central to seasonal climate forecasting.
Key Facts
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Suggested video title for this topic:
"La Niña: the cooler climate twin of El Niño"
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