Simulated variability in the mean atmospheric meridional circulation over the 20th century

Details Simulated variability in the mean atmospheric meridional circulation over the 20th century Simulated variability in the mean atmospheric meridional circulation over the 20th century

Mar 2009

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2009georl..3606704m&link_type=abstract

Geophysical Research Letters, Volume 36, Issue 6, CiteID L06704

Physics

4

Atmospheric Processes: Climate Change And Variability (1616, 1635, 3309, 4215, 4513), Atmospheric Processes: General Circulation (1223), Atmospheric Processes: Global Climate Models (1626, 4928), Atmospheric Processes: Climatology (1616, 1620, 3305, 4215, 8408)

Scientific paper

The variability in the zonally averaged atmospheric meridional circulation over the last 150 years is investigated using two atmospheric general circulation models (GCMs). A multi-decadal signal, with an approximately 70 year timescale, is identified in the cross-equatorial circulation. This signal is associated with a latitudinal shift in the ascending branch of the Hadley cell and precipitation in the tropics, as well as a change in the atmospheric meridional heat transport. These changes are well-correlated with the inter-hemispheric SST difference: When Northern Hemisphere sea surface temperatures (SSTs) are colder than the Southern Hemisphere, the ITCZ and precipitation shift to the south in a zonal mean sense, and the northward atmospheric energy transport increases. Previous studies with idealized climate forcings have shown similar results, but the findings presented here highlight the potential relevance of the inter-hemispheric SST contrast for understanding 20th century climate changes.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Simulated variability in the mean atmospheric meridional circulation over the 20th century does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Simulated variability in the mean atmospheric meridional circulation over the 20th century, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Simulated variability in the mean atmospheric meridional circulation over the 20th century will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-976787