Madden–Julian oscillation

The Madden - Julian Oscillation ( MJO ), named after Roland Madden and Paul Julian from the National Center for Atmospheric Research, was discovered in 1971 and is a circulation phenomenon of the tropical atmosphere ( within 20 degrees of latitude on either side of the equator) between the Indian Ocean and the central Pacific which has a 30 - to 60 -day cycle has. This coupled ocean-atmosphere system has a great influence on the monsoon variability. Similarly, effects on the length of day known.

The anomalous rainfall region appears over the western Indian Ocean and remains visible as it travels eastward until it reaches the colder waters of the Eastern Pacific. Over the tropical Atlantic, it reappears. The wet phase of the MJO is characterized by an increased convection and increased rainfall in the subsequent dry period, the thunderstorm activity is suppressed.

• See also: El Niño - Southern Oscillation, North Atlantic Oscillation, Pineapple Express, quasi- biennial oscillation, variability of the rotation period of the Earth