Decadal Modulation of the Relationship Between Tropical Southern Atlantic SST and Subsequent ENSO by Pacific Decadal Oscillation

Abstract

This study identifies the relationship between tropical southern Atlantic (TSA) sea surface temperature anomaly (SSTA) and the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and focuses on how the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) modulates this relationship. Results suggest a significant but non-stationary interannual TSA-ENSO relationship which undergoes a significant decadal shift. A strong TSA-ENSO relationship is observed during the positive PDO phase, while this relationship is weak during the negative PDO phase. Two processes, involving the anomalous Pacific Walker circulation (PWC) and the intensity of air-sea interactions over the Pacific, are proposed for this decadal shift. During the positive PDO phase, the weak and variable PWC and strong air-sea interaction facilitate the development of SSTA in the tropical Pacific triggered by TSA SSTA, resulting in a strong TSA-ENSO relationship and vice versa. These findings emphasize the important role of the modulation of PDO on the TSA-ENSO relationship.