ENSO dynamics during the Last Glacial Maximum
2004
We present a numerical eigenmode analysis of an intermediate El Nin˜o–Southern Oscillation (ENSO)
model which is driven by present-day observed background conditions as well as by simulated background
conditions for the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) about 21,000 years ago. The background conditions are
obtained from two LGM simulations which were performed with the National Center for Atmospheric Research
climate system model (CSM1.4) and an Earth system model of intermediate complexity (ECBilt-CLIO). Our
analysis clearly shows that the leading present-day unstable recharge-discharge mode changes its stability as
well as its frequency during LGM conditions. Simulated LGM background conditions were favorable to support
large-amplitude self-sustained interannual ENSO variations in the tropical Pacific. Our analysis indicates that
off-equatorial climate conditions as well as a shoaling of the thermocline play a crucial role in amplifying the
LGM ENSO mode.
Keywords:
- Correction
- Source
- Cite
- Save
- Machine Reading By IdeaReader
0
References
1
Citations
NaN
KQI