Evolution of ocean heat content related to ENSO

In addition to this diabatic component, there is an adiabatic redistribution of heat both laterally and vertically (0-100 and 100-300 m) in the tropical Pacific and Indian oceans that dominates the local OHCT. Heat is also transported and discharged from 20 degrees S-5 degrees N into off-equatorial regions within 5 degrees-20 degrees N during and after El Nino. OHCT and Q changes outside the tropical Pacific Ocean indicate the ENSO-driven atmospheric teleconnections and changes of ocean heat transport (i.e., Indonesian Throughflow).

The tropical Atlantic and Indian Oceans warm during El Nino, partly offsetting the tropical Pacific cooling for the tropical oceans as a whole. While there are distinct regional OHCT changes, many compensate each other, resulting in a weak but robust net global ocean cooling during and after El Nino.