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On the relationship between tropical and North Pacific sea surface temperature variations

Journal Article · · Journal of Climate
 [1];  [2]
  1. Univ. of Colorado, Boulder, CO (United States)
  2. Climate Diagnostics Center, Boulder, CO (United States)
Empirical orthogonal function analysis of winter sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies over the Pacific domain (60{degrees}N-20{degrees}S) reveals an El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) mode that is linked to the eastern North Pacific, and a North Pacific mode that is linearly independent of ENSO. The North Pacific mode exhibits maximum amplitude and variance explained along {approximately} 40{degrees}N, west of {approximately} 170{degrees}W. SSTs in this region have decreased by {approximately} 1.5{degrees}C from 1950 to 1987. The cooling in winter has been associated with a strengthening of the overlying westerly winds. 17 refs., 4 figs.
OSTI ID:
90971
Journal Information:
Journal of Climate, Journal Name: Journal of Climate Journal Issue: 6 Vol. 8; ISSN JLCLEL; ISSN 0894-8755
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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