From Phase Transition to Interdecadal Changes of ENSO, Altered by the Lower Stratospheric Ozone

Abstract

This paper shows more evidence for the existing spatial–temporal synchronization of the air surface temperature and pressure within the lower stratospheric ozone, which is unevenly distributed over the globe. The focus of this study is put on the region of formation and manifestation of El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Statistical analysis of data (covering the period 1900–2019) displays a well pronounced covariance of ozone at 70 hPa with (i) Nino3.4 index, (ii) air surface temperature, and (iii) sea level pressure, in each grid-point with spatial resolution of 5° in latitude and longitude. The ozone impact could be found at different time scales—from interannual (altering the ENSO phase transition) to interdecadal. Moreover, the centers of action of ozone on the sea level temperature and pressure are positioned at different places, depending on the temporal scale of variability—from the tropical Central Pacific—at interannual and interdecadal, to extratropics—at subdecadal time scales. We show also that positive ozone anomalies at 70 hPa trigger a cooling of the sea surface, with a delay of 9 record’s time intervals. The ozone depletion, on the other side, is followed by a sea level warming with a delay of 1–2 record’s time intervals.