The Southern Oscillation. Part VIII: Model Sensitivity to SST Anomalies in the Tropical and Subtropical Regions of the South Pacific Convergence Zone

Abstract

We show by means of a general circulation model experiment that the atmospheric circulation over the South Pacific Ocean is sensitive to sea surface temperature anomalies in the tropical and subtropical regions of the South Pacific convergence zone. The possible implications for understanding the life cycle of an extreme event in the Southern Oscillation are discussed.