Changes in Variability Associated with Climate Change

Abstract

In this paper, we briefl y discuss changes in large-scale oscillations such as the El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), and the northern and southern annular modes (NAM and SAM), changes in the polar and tropical troposphere, and interactions between the stratosphere and troposphere in a changing climate. We consider both changes in variability as well as trends in the 250 mean state. We conclude, that to fully understand how modes of variability will change in a changing climate, we need additional analysis of observations, both paleo and present day, and a solid fundamental understanding of mechanisms. Understanding of mechanisms necessarily requires use of models, ranging from simple to complex. Such models need to be fully coupled, between atmosphere and ocean, and need to include a fully resolved middle atmosphere as well.