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North Atlantic oscillation controls multidecadal changes in the North Tropical Atlantic-Pacific connection
Ruiqiang Ding1,2, Hyacinth C Nnamchi3,4, Jin-Yi Yu5
1State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China. drq@bnu.edu.cn.
Nature Communications
|February 15, 2023
Summary
Sea surface temperature anomalies in the North Tropical Atlantic can predict El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events. Multidecadal changes in this connection are driven by the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), influencing ENSO predictability.
Area of Science:
- Climate Science
- Oceanography
- Atmospheric Science
Background:
- Sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in the North Tropical Atlantic (NTA) during boreal spring can influence El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events.
- This NTA-ENSO connection exhibits multidecadal variability not fully explained by known climate patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the drivers of multidecadal variability in the NTA-ENSO connection.
- To elucidate the role of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) in modulating this relationship.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of historical climate data and teleconnection patterns.
- Statistical modeling to assess the influence of NAO variability on NTA SST anomalies and ENSO.
Main Results:
- Multidecadal variability of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) principally controls changes in the NTA-ENSO connection.
- During positive NAO phases, enhanced equatorial Atlantic precipitation and persistent NTA SST anomalies amplify the NTA's impact on ENSO.
- Strengthened subtropical teleconnections are key to this amplified NTA influence.
Conclusions:
- The North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) is a critical factor in understanding the multidecadal modulation of NTA SST impacts on the tropical Pacific.
- NAO variability is essential for improving ENSO predictability through NTA precursors.
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