Antarctic oscillation
Oscilación antártica
- Date
- finales del s. XX · confidence low
- Place
- Seattle, Washington, United States
- Credited to
- David W. J. Thompson and John Michael Wallace
- Field
- Cosmos & Earth
⚠️ Disputed: the sources disagree.
What was discovered
A pattern of Southern Hemisphere atmospheric variability, defined by a belt of westerly winds and low pressure around Antarctica that shifts north or south, influencing weather in southern Australia and other regions.
The attribution to Gilbert Walker (1868-1958) is doubtful: the Antarctic Oscillation (SAM) was characterized and popularized in the late 20th century, whereas Walker is known for a different phenomenon, the Southern Oscillation (El Niño).
What it led to
- became a key variable for forecasting Southern Hemisphere weather
- helped explain rainfall changes in southern Australia and South America
- was linked to the Antarctic ozone hole and climate change