Studies in Climate Dynamics for Environmental Security: Large-Scale Ocean/Atmosphere Interaction Resulting From Variable Heat Transfer at the Equator

摘要

A brief investigation is presented of long-term variability of the tropical heat supply of the Pacific Ocean and its influence on the atmospheric circulation. From the record of monthly sea and air temperature at Canton Island, 2 deg 48 min S, 171 deg 43 min W, November 1964 is selected as typifying the arid conditions associated with anomalously cold equatorial water, and as representing a contrast to November 1965 with its near-maximum water temperature and abundant rainfall. Air circulation also differs significantly here. The large-scale effect on the atmosphere from November 1964 to November 1965 is described as a general warming of the complete belt of the tropical troposphere with inherent strengthening of the upper tropospheric westerlies in both hemispheres. (Author)