Based on four independent datasets, this study presents observational evidence of a shallow meridional circulation cell in the eastern tropical Pacific. In this shallow meridional circulation cell the northerly cross-equatorial return flow from the ITCZ into the Southern Hemisphere is found immediately above the atmospheric boundary layer, in contrast to the classic concept of the Hadley-type deep meridional circulation whose northerly return flow resides in the upper troposphere. The strength and depth of this shallow meridional circulation undergo a distinct annual cycle. Possible causes and climatic implications of this shallow meridional circulation are discussed.
CITATION STYLE
Zhang, C., McGauley, M., & Bond, N. A. (2004). Shallow meridional circulation in the tropical eastern Pacific. Journal of Climate, 17(1), 133–139. https://doi.org/10.1175/1520-0442(2004)017<0133:SMCITT>2.0.CO;2
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