North Atlantic Decadal Variability: Air–Sea Coupling, Oceanic Memory, and Potential Northern Hemisphere Resonance*

Abstract

Abstract In this paper, the causes and mechanisms of North Atlantic decadal variability are explored in a series of coupled ocean–atmosphere simulations. The model captures the major features of the observed North Atlantic decadal variability. The North Atlantic SST anomalies in the model control simulation exhibit a prominent decadal cycle of 12–16 yr, and a coherent propagation from the western subtropical Atlantic to the subpolar region. A series of additional modeling experiments are conducted in which the air–sea coupling is systematically modified in order to evaluate the importance of air–sea coupling for the North Atlantic decadal variability being studied. This shall be referred to as “modeling surgery.” The results suggest the critical role of ocean–atmosphere coupling in sustaining the North Atlantic decadal oscillation at selected time scales. The coupling in the North Atlantic is characterized by a robust North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO)-like atmospheric response to the SST tripole anomaly, which tends to intensify the SST anomaly and, meanwhile, also provide a delayed negative feedback. This delayed negative feedback is predominantly associated with the adjustment of the subtropical gyre in response to the anomalous wind stress curl in the subtropical Atlantic. Atmospheric stochastic forcing can drive SST patterns similar to those in the fully coupled ocean–atmosphere system, but fails to generate any preferred decadal time scales. The simulated North Atlantic decadal variability, therefore, can be viewed as a coupled ocean–atmosphere mode under the influence of stochastic forcing. This modeling study also suggests some potential resonance between the Pacific and the North Atlantic decadal fluctuations mediated by the atmosphere. The modeling surgery indicates that the Pacific climate, although not a necessary precondition, can impact the North Atlantic climate variability substantially.