Imprint of the El Nio Modoki on decadal sea level changes

Abstract

Decadal variation in sea level is shown to manifest as higher than normal sea level in the central Pacific flanked by lower than normal sea level on either side of the basin during the early 21st century. This abnormal condition is evidently aided by frequent occurrences of El Nio Modoki events and associated wind convergence to the dateline during 2000-2004. The sea level rise in central Pacific succeeded a phase of lower than normal sea level associated with La Nia Modoki events toward the end of 20th century. A correlation analysis confirms the dominant influence of El Nio/La Nia Modoki on the sea level rise in the central Pacific as compared to that of the El Niño/La Niña. This influence can even be seen in remote regions such as the coasts of California and Mauritius through atmospheric teleconnections. © 2010 by the American Geophysical Union.