Abstract

A global coupled ocean‐atmosphere GCM forced by a zonally uniform heat flux anomaly in the tropics is used to investigate the role of oceanic dynamics in regulating the tropical Pacific SST response to warm climate. Consistent with earlier CZ model simulations, the GCM simulation demonstrates a La‐Niña like response in the tropical Pacific, with the equatorial upwelling playing a dominant role. While the mean upwelling tends to reduce the overall surface warming due to the strengthening of the equatorial thermocline, the anomalous upwelling associated with the strengthening of the easterlies leads to a weak warming in the east. This easterly wind anomaly can be partly attributed to the enhanced equator‐subtropical SST gradient which forces a stronger trade wind. Application to global warming is discussed.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.