ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Pacific decadal oscillation

Have you ever noticed how sometimes the ocean feels warmer or colder than usual? It's like the ocean has moods, just like people do!

The Pacific Decadal Oscillation is a big name for something that happens when the ocean in the Pacific Ocean gets into a really big mood swing. This mood swing doesn't happen every year or even every few years, but it can last for a long time, like 10 to 30 years.

When the Pacific Ocean is in a mood swing, it makes the sea surface temperature go up in some parts of the ocean while it goes down in other parts. This can have a big impact on the weather and climate in different parts of the world. It can even affect things like how much it rains or snows, which can be really important for farmers and people who rely on water for their everyday lives.

Scientists are trying to understand more about why the Pacific Ocean has these mood swings, and what they mean for our planet. By studying the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, they hope to learn more about the different patterns that the ocean can have and how it might change in the future.