Lough, J.M. 1994. Climate variation and El Nino-Southern 
Oscillation events on the Great Barrier Reef: 1958 to 1987. Coral 
Reefs 13(3): 181-195.
 
Seasonal and inter-annual variation of several surface climate 
variables near the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) are described for the 
30-year period, 1958-1987. Large inter-annual variability of 
rainfall and river flow in coastal Queensland is linked to the 
aperiodic influences of El Nino-Southern Oscillation events. 
These events also affect sea surface temperature and wind fields, 
though the inter-annual variability of these variables is not as 
large as rainfall and river flow. The major impacts on waters of 
the GBR appear to be greatly increased freshwater inputs, reduced 
surface radiation (and thus light levels) and enhanced tropical 
cyclone activity during anti-El Nino events. El Nino events have 
less effect on climate of the GBR because they tend to maintain 
winter-like conditions. The effects of this background of high 
variability in the physical environment on reef processes must be 
considered when examining changes in such processes, changes in 
climate (e.g. due to global warming) or increases in 
anthropogenic impacts.