Global-Scale Climate Drivers

Learn what is the polar vortex and how this high-altitude atmospheric circulation drives extreme winter weather patterns across the globe.

Southern Annular Mode formation occurs through shifting pressure gradients between middle latitudes and Antarctica. Learn how this driver impacts climate.

Learn how do sudden stratospheric warmings form through planetary wave breaking and polar vortex disruption. See the physics behind these winter events.

Learn how does the Madden-Julian Oscillation form through tropical convective activity and atmospheric circulation patterns.

Learn how Indian Ocean Dipole formation occurs through air-sea interaction and shifts in the equatorial thermocline during the tropical winter.

Learn how does La Niña form through ocean-atmosphere coupling and trade wind shifts. Explore the ENSO cycle and see how Pacific cooling impacts weather.

Learn how does El Niño form when trade winds weaken and ocean temperatures shift across the Pacific.