El Nino
The term El Nino was originally used by fishermen along the coasts of Ecuador and Peru. It was used to refer to a warm ocean current that typically appears around Christmas. El Nino lasts for several months. Fish are less common during this time so fishermen take a break to repair their equipment and spend time with their families. The term El Nino became reserved for the strong warm intervals that brings heavy rains. During the past 40 years, nine El Ninos have affected the South American coast. The weaker events raised sea temperatures only one or two degrees and only have only minor impacts on the South American fisheries. But the strong ones, not only effects the local weather and marine life, but also on climatic conditions around the globe.