The influence of El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on fog oases along the Peruvian and Chilean coastal deserts.

Fog oases such as Lomas formation along the Chilean and Peruvian coasts are dependent on water inputs from oceanic fog. Vegetation is characterized by a marked seasonality which is often affected by climatic oscillations such as ENSO. Diversity and vegetation patterns are highly variable because of their fragmented spatial distribution. We hypothesized that ENSO could have influenced the spatial distribution of Lomas plant species along the South American coasts. In particular we focus on two aspects: 1. The climate variables related to ENSO event which likely have an effect on fog production and 2. The responses of Lomas vegetation regarding composition, structure, productivity, and conservation to climate patterns during an ENSO event.