Understanding Equatorial Atlantic Interannual Variability

An observational-based analysis of coupled variability in the equatorial Atlantic and its seasonality is presented. Regression analysis shows that the three elements of the Bjerknes positive feedback exist in the Atlantic and are spatially similar to those of the Pacific. The cross-correlation funct...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of climate 2007-01, Vol.20 (1), p.131-142
Main Authors: Keenlyside, Noel S., Latif, Mojib
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Climate models
Correlation analysis
Correlations
Earth, ocean, space
El Nino
Exact sciences and technology
External geophysics
General circulation models
Marine
Modeling
Oceans
Physics of the oceans
Regression analysis
Sea surface temperature
Sea-air exchange processes
Seasonal variations
Seasons
Simulations
Summer
Thermoclines
Tropical climates
Tropical regions
Wind
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Summary:An observational-based analysis of coupled variability in the equatorial Atlantic and its seasonality is presented. Regression analysis shows that the three elements of the Bjerknes positive feedback exist in the Atlantic and are spatially similar to those of the Pacific. The cross-correlation functions of the elements of the Bjerknes feedback are also similar and consistent with an ocean–atmosphere coupled mode. However, the growth rate in the Atlantic is up to 50% weaker, and explained variance is significantly lower. The Bjerknes feedback in the Atlantic is strong in boreal spring and summer, and weak in other seasons, which explains why the largest sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTAs) occur in boreal summer. Its seasonality is determined by seasonal variations in both atmospheric sensitivity to SSTA and SSTA sensitivity to subsurface temperature anomalies.
ISSN:0894-8755
1520-0442
DOI:10.1175/jcli3992.1