El Niño and the Southern Oscillation is by far the most striking phenomenon caused by the interplay of ocean and atmosphere. It can be explained neither in strictly oceanographic nor strictly meteorological terms. This volume provides a brief history of the subject, summarizes the oceanographic and meteorological observations and theories, and discusses the recent advances in computer modeling studies of the phenomenon. It includes a comprehensive and up-to-date research survey and discusses in detail sophisticated computer models. It provides a clear exposition of the major problems which prevent more accurate predictions of El Niño.
- The Southern Oscillation (Variability of the Tropical Atmosphere)
- Oceanic Variability in the Tropics
- Oceanic Adjustment I
- Oceanic Adjustment II
- Models of Tropical Atmosphere
- Interactions between the Ocean and Atmosphere
- Bibliograpy
"The book will be indispensable to anyone attempting to penetrate the large and confusing literature; Philander has made a good story of it."
– Science
"George Philander in his new book captures the story behind the present embryonic science of forecasting climate variability, and comprehensively explores the coupled physics of the atmosphere and oceans that forms the basis of this science."
– Nature