... phenomenon (El Niño-Southern Oscillation) characterized by a drop in surface water temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. This leads to global changes in atmospheric circulation, impacting the climate in many regions around the globe. Unlike El Niño, during which the ocean releases heat into the atmosphere, La Niña causes heat to sink into the depths of the ocean, resulting in local cooling of water and large-scale climate changes. Why Does La Niña Occur? La Niña arises from a complex interaction ...