Eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean T-S variations with El Niño

Abstract

Temperature-Salinity (T-S) relationship variability in the pycnocline of the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean (NINO3 region, 5°S-5°N, 150°W-90°W) over the last two decades is investigated using observational data and model simulation. A numerical model simulation using the MITgcm (Massachusetts Institute of Technology General Circulation Model) suggests that, during El Niño years, the water in the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean becomes saltier (by 0.1 to 0.2) and warmer (by 0.5 to 1°C) on density surfaces within the pycnocline. This simulation is consistent with Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) data collected mostly during Tropical Atmosphere Ocean (TAO) mooring maintenance cruises. Copyright 2004 by the American Geophysical Union.