Hot Cradle of El Niño

Liguang Sun,Zhouqing Xie

doi:10.1038/npre.2008.1764.1

Liguang Sun, Zhouqing Xie

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1038/npre.2008.1764.1

Copy DOI

Abstract

AbstractHere we propose that the El Niño is originated in the region of west-east oriented Galapagas ocean ridge and hydrothermal plumes. This region has a distinct tectonic structure: the subductions of ocean ridges go under continental volcanic activity zones; a special geographic location: equatorial ocean currents almost coincide with ocean ridge; and a unique south-north oriented convergent epi-continent ocean currents. The striking correlation between El Niño, seismic and submarine volcanic activities in this area and earth rotation speed changes strongly suggests that the sea floor near Peru coast sounds the "Hot Cradle" of El Niño.

Highlights

Galapagas ocean ridge and hydrothermal plumes. This region has a distinct tectonic structure: the subductions of ocean ridges go under continental volcanic activity zones; a special geographic location: equatorial ocean currents almost coincide with ocean ridge; and a unique south-north oriented convergent epi-continent ocean currents
The striking correlation between El Niño, seismic and submarine volcanic activities in this area and earth rotation speed changes strongly suggests that the sea floor near Peru coast sounds the "Hot Cradle" of El
The El Niño phenomenon concerns a wide audience-from scientists to general public, because it has a huge impact on our daily life such as our dining table, air quality and even the wetness of "the little boy" 's dipper

Summary

Introduction

The striking correlation between El Niño, seismic and submarine volcanic activities in this area and earth rotation speed changes strongly suggests that the sea floor near Peru coast sounds the "Hot Cradle" of El With the exception of El Niño 1982-1983, El Niño all happened with higher frequency of earthquakes in region A and relative slowdown in earth's rotation speed. This special fluid movement system and geographic location make it possible for the warmed water on the sea floor converge and be further warmed, instead of the energy dissipation in a horizontal convection normally seen in Atlantic ocean mid ridge and the hot plumes in other areas of the Pacific Ocean.

Results

Conclusion