GEOMAR Helmholtz-Zentrum für Ozeanforschung Kiel
Wischhofstr. 1-3
24148 Kiel
Tel.: 0431 600-0
Fax: 0431 600-2805
E-mail: info(at)geomar.de
11:00 Uhr, Hörsaal West, Düsternbrooker Weg 20
Abstract:
The Atlantic Niño is considered a coupled mode of ocean-atmosphere interactions primarily driven by ocean dynamics; in particular, the Bjerknes feedbacks analogous to the Pacific El Niño. However, studies consistently show weaker Bjerknes coupling for the Atlantic compared to the Pacific mode. Here I will discuss a perspective that heat flux forcing may play greater roles for the interannual variability of the Atlantic Niño in climate models than previously thought. I will compare coupled general circulation model results with and without interactive ocean dynamics and highlight some indicative observational analysis.
In the second part I will propose a decadal (approx. 12.5 yr) variability of the Atlantic Niño—usually regarded as an interannual mode. I will then discuss some related dynamics including a similar peak of the AMOC based on the Modular Ocean Model forced by the CORE atmospheric fields.