The Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) is the largest element of the intraseasonal (30-90 day) variability in the tropical atmosphere. The MJO is characterised by a zone of enhanced convection and anomalously high rainfall and a zone of compressed convection and anomalously low rainfall that moves eastward from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. The convective zone of the MJO may provide favourable conditions for tropical cyclone genesis.
Under the Climate Present and Past project, NIWA undertakes research about the Madden-Julian Oscillation in the following areas: