El Nino-Causes and Effects

Abstract

The El Nino phenomenon is of great significance to global environment as well as the world population. Oceanographers and climatologists are giving much priority in studying the causes of origin of this phenomenon and its consequences. The name El Nino was coined by the people of Peru, the English meaning of this Spanish word being "The Christ Child", since the event generally occurs near about the Christmas time. Before going into the details of the causes and effects of this El Nino phenomenon, a brief idea about the biological productivity and behaviour of ocean water is to be given.