El Ni o: A Destructive Oceanographic Phenomenon

The Peru Current System, one of the most productive marine systems known, is characterized by abundant upwelling, enrichment of surface waters with nutrients, diverse plankton communities, and vast commercial resources. Nevertheless, from time to time, the dynamic patterns of the Peruvian Current are drastically altered by changes in the atmospheric and hydrospheric conditions, such alterations are known by the name "El Ni o". Recent meterological and oceanographic conditions existing along the Peru-Ecuadorian coastline indicate the presence of El Ni o. This phenomenon portends massive destruction of property and loss of important marine biological resources which form the economic base of the coastal peoples.