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Predictability of North Atlantic Multidecadal Climate Variability
1S. M. Griffies, Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory, Route 1, Forrestal Campus, Princeton, NJ 08542, USA. E-mail: smg@gfdl.gov K. Bryan, Princeton University, Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences Program, Sayre Hall, Forrestal Campus, Princeton, NJ 08544-0710, USA. E-mail: kbryan@splash. princeton.edu
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|January 10, 1997
Summary
Climate predictability extends beyond a few weeks, particularly in the North Atlantic. A global ocean-atmosphere model suggests decadal-scale climate prediction is possible, linked to sea surface temperature patterns.
Area of Science:
- Climate science
- Oceanography
- Atmospheric science
Background:
- Weather forecasts are limited to a few weeks due to atmospheric unpredictability.
- Ocean-atmosphere coupling enables longer-term climate variability prediction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate decadal-scale climate predictability in the North Atlantic.
- To assess the role of ocean-atmosphere interactions in climate prediction.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a global coupled ocean-atmosphere model.
- Analyzed multidecadal sea surface temperature patterns in the North Atlantic.
Main Results:
- Identified potential decadal or longer climate predictability in the North Atlantic.
- Linked North Atlantic sea surface temperature patterns to climate variations over Eurasia.
Conclusions:
- Decadal climate prediction in the North Atlantic is feasible.
- An effective Atlantic Ocean monitoring system is crucial for accurate climate predictions.