teleconnection
/ˌtɛlɪkəˈnɛkʃən/
Definition
A long-distance climate link where weather or ocean patterns in one region of the globe influence climate conditions thousands of kilometers away.
Etymology
The word is formed from the Greek prefix 'tele-' (meaning 'distant') and the English word 'connection.' It entered scientific terminology in the 20th century to describe the atmospheric chains of cause-and-effect that span across continents.
In the news
In the article, the term explains how temperature fluctuations in the Indian Ocean can reshape atmospheric circulation to cause drought in the Mediterranean. It serves as a reminder that Earth's climate system is globally interconnected.
As "Super El Niño" draws global attention, new study shows the Indian Ocean may hold the key to Mediterranean climate extremes
Read the full article ↗EurekAlert!