Abstract: Using the monthly climatic data, the atmospheric heating field over the west Pacific and its surrouding sea area in the strong El Nino period (from August 1982 to July 1983) is computed in detail. The main results are as follows: (1)The equatorial and tropical sea area in west Pacific and in the middle of Pacific is a heat source area with strong intensity and large range through the year. But the subtropical sea area at both southern and northern side of equator which neighbours with this heat source is a large range of cold source. China South Sea has also a stronger area of heat source. The Southword movement and intensification of equtorial heat source belt are important characteristics in EI Nino Period.(2)Distribution characteristics of atmospheric heating field can be classified into two types: the Winter-Spring and the Summer-Autumm types. (3)The inter-monthly variation of total atmospheric heating rate is very evident and there are two notable heat increasing processes.