Satellite observations of the 1982-1983 El Nino along the U.S. Pacific coast

Satellite infrared temperature images illustrate several effects of the 1982-1983 El Nino: warm sea-surface temperatures with the greatest anomalies near the coast, weakened coastal upwelling, and changes in surface circulation patterns. Phytoplankton pigment images from the Coastal Zone Color Scanner indicate reduced productivity during El Nino, apparently related to the weakened coastal upwelling. The satellite images provide direct evidence of mesosale changes associated with the oceanwide El Nino event.