El Niño Then and Now

Climate Monitoring from Space

Satellite observation missions conducted by NASA continue to provide critical data for understanding large-scale changes in Earth's climate system. Researchers are compiling a continuous 35-year record of satellite altimetry data based on sea surface height measurements to analyze global oceanic and atmospheric phenomena in detail.

Comparing Past and Present El Niño Events

This extensive 35-year altimetry record enables scientists to directly compare this year's El Niño event against its most powerful historical predecessors. Satellites measuring sea surface height and temperature variations with millimeter precision allow researchers to evaluate the growth rate, spatial extent, and intensity of El Niño compared to past occurrences.

Impact on Climate Models and the Future

These long-term satellite observations are vital not only for evaluating current weather patterns but also for improving the accuracy of future climate and weather forecasting models. Tracking El Niño events, which directly influence weather patterns globally, aids in predicting long-term impacts on global sea levels and atmospheric dynamics.