Interannual variability of meridional heat transport in a numerical model of the upper equatorial Pacific Ocean

Abstract

The heat budget is studied using a primitive equation, a reduced gravity model of the upper Pacific equatorial ocean. The model is forced with monthly mean FSU winds from 1971 to 1990. Heat transport anomalies from the 20-year mean balance the time rate of change of heat content on interannual and seasonal timescales. Anomalies of surface heat flux do not contribute significantly to the interannual heat budget. Simulations of ENSO events indicate that a cross-equatorial exchange of warm water occurs on an interannual timescale as first suggested by the sea level analysis of Wyrtki and Wenzel. -from Author