Decadal variability of the IOD-ENSO relationship

Abstract

Using three kinds of over 100-year sea surface temperature (SST) datasets as well as three-dimensional wind data from NCEP/NCAR, this paper documents the decadal variability of the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)-El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) relationship. During 1948–1969, positive (negative) IOD and warm (cold) ENSO events were more independent of each other. But after 1970, they tended to occur in the same year. ENSO would influence the whole life span of IOD, and IOD also affects the developing phase of ENSO. Considering the climatological background SST, low-level winds and also equatorial vertical circulations, it is revealed that the decadal variability of the IOD-ENSO relationship may be caused by the enhanced Walker circulation with increased rising motion over the Maritime Continent after 1970. Warmer SST around the Maritime Continent gives rise to anomalous low-level convergence and intensified convection there, which apparently increases the SST linkage between the eastern Indian Ocean and the western Pacific and thereby the interaction between the IOD and ENSO event.