Climate oscillations - Genesis and evolution of the 1997-98 El Nino

The 1997-98 El Nino was, by some measures, the strongest on record, with ma jor climatic impacts felt around the world. A newly completed tropical Paci fic atmosphere-ocean sphere-ocean observing system documented this El Nino from its rapid onset to its sudden demise in greater detail than was ever b efore possible. The unprecedented measurements challenge existing theories about El Nino-related climate swings and suggest why climate forecast model s underpredicted the strength of the El Nino before its onset.