title: A theory for el nino and the southern oscillation.
abstract: A coupled atmosphere-ocean model is presented for El Niño and the Southern Oscillation that reproduces its major features, including its recurrence at irregular intervals. The interannual El Niño-Southern Oscillation cycle is maintained by deterministic interactions in the tropical Pacific region. Ocean dynamics alter sea-surface temperature, changing the atmospheric heating; the resulting changes in surface wind alter the ocean dynamics. Annually varying mean conditions largely determine the spatial pattern and temporal evolution of El Niño events.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Cane
authors.forename: S E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Zebiak