Contrasting Tropical Climate Response Pattern to Localized Thermal Forcing Over Different Ocean Basins
Journal
Geophysical Research Letters
Journal Volume
45
Journal Issue
22
Pages
12544-12552
Date Issued
2018
Author(s)
Abstract
We contrast the spatial patterns of tropical climate response to localized thermal forcing over different ocean basins in an atmospheric model coupled to a slab ocean. A localized forcing poleward of the climatological storm tracks produces a tropical climate response pattern that is nearly independent of the forcing location. Regardless of the location of extratropical forcing, a common zonally asymmetric La Niña-like pattern of sea surface temperature response accompanies a northward shift of the Intertropical Convergence Zone. In contrast, a localized tropical forcing produces essentially opposite tropical climate response patterns depending on the forced ocean basin. The northern tropical Pacific (Atlantic) heating induces a warming (cooling) throughout the tropical Pacific, a weakening (strengthening) of the equatorial Pacific trade winds, and a northward (southward) shift of the Southern Pacific Convergence Zone. Our study provides a pathway forward for improving future projections of tropical climate under different anthropogenic forcing scenarios. ©2018. American Geophysical Union. All Rights Reserved.
SDGs
Other Subjects
Oceanography; Surface waters; Tropics; Anthropogenic forcing; Atmospheric model; Convergence zones; Equatorial Pacific; Future projections; Intertropical convergence zone; Sea surface temperature (SST); Tropical climates; Climate models; air-sea interaction; atmospheric modeling; climate forcing; cooling; extratropical environment; heating; intertropical convergence zone; La Nina; ocean basin; sea surface temperature; storm track; trade wind; Atlantic Ocean; Atlantic Ocean (Tropical); Pacific Ocean; Pacific Ocean (Tropical)
Type
journal article