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Published on: June 13, 2020
Western tropical Pacific multidecadal variability forced by the Atlantic multidecadal oscillation
Cheng Sun1, Fred Kucharski2,3, Jianping Li1,4
1State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology and College of Global Change and Earth System Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
The Atlantic multidecadal oscillation (AMO) drives western tropical Pacific sea surface temperature variability. This remote connection influences Pacific climate patterns on decadal timescales.
Area of Science:
- Climate Science
- Oceanography
- Atmospheric Science
Background:
- Western tropical Pacific (WTP) sea surface temperature (SST) exhibits multidecadal variability.
- This variability is not adequately explained by the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of the Atlantic multidecadal oscillation (AMO) on WTP SST variability.
- To elucidate the teleconnection mechanisms linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a suite of Atlantic Pacemaker experiments.
- Analyzing atmospheric teleconnections and oceanic feedback mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Successfully reproduced WTP multidecadal variability and the AMO-WTP SST connection.
- Identified a teleconnection pathway: AMO warming weakens the Aleutian low and North Pacific westerlies.
- Observed subtropical North Pacific SST warming and anomalous cyclonic circulation in the WTP.
Conclusions:
- The Atlantic Ocean is a significant pacemaker for decadal climate variability in the western Pacific.
- Remote influence of the AMO is crucial for understanding WTP climate dynamics.
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