Quasi-decadal and inter-decadal climate fluctuations in the Pacific Ocean from a CGCM

Publication Status is "Submitted" Or "In Press: 
LDEO Publication: 
Publication Type: 
Year of Publication: 
2005
Editor: 
Journal Title: 
Geophysical Research Letters
Journal Date: 
Apr 15
Place Published: 
Tertiary Title: 
Volume: 
32
Issue: 
7
Pages: 
-
Section / Start page: 
Publisher: 
ISBN Number: 
0094-8276
ISSN Number: 
Edition: 
Short Title: 
Accession Number: 
ISI:000228480100004
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Abstract: 

Diagnostic analyses in the Pacific, have revealed distinct quasi-decadal (QD) and inter-decadal ( ID) climate fluctuations with coherent varying patterns of sea surface temperature (SST) and sea level pressure (SLP) anomalies. From a 200-year CGCM simulation, distinct low-frequency fluctuations are also obtained: QD (i.e., 8 - 12 years period band) and ID (i.e., 18 - 25 years period band). Traced modeled QD evolution reveals equatorial SST anomalies resembling ENSO, while tropical recharge/discharge mechanisms seem to be operating. The traced modeled ID evolution reveals high latitudes spatially coherent patterns, with maximum SST anomalies in the vicinity of the subarctic frontal zone (SAFZ) and subtropical gyres through advection. Contrary to QD SST anomalies, the modeled ID SST anomalies peak away from the equator as observed. QD fluctuations may then be viewed as low-frequency ENSO phenomena, while ID fluctuations may set-up thermal background modulating frequency and intensity of ENSO.

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917QRTimes Cited:2Cited References Count:36

DOI: 
Doi 10.1029/2004gl022087