Evolución en el estudio del fenómeno ENSO (El Niño-Oscilación del Sur) : de anomalía «local» a la predicción de variaciones climáticas globales

This paper presents a historic evolution of ENSO events related studies. Such event, which at first only seemed to produce reliable effects along Peru and Ecuador coastal regions, is now considered as one of the best parameters to develop short-term climatic predictions. The concept which has made this change possible is the climatic teleconnexion, which shows the existence of strong relationships between distant regions. After the very strong 1982-83 ENSO event, which produced serious anomalies on climatic and oceanic systems, as well as economic and human damages in several regions, the study of these teleconnexions was strengthened. The huge amount of scientific studies produced during the last ten years, has allowed to deepen in the knowledge of the physical mechanisms that explain the development of the teleconnexions.