Pacific Multidecadal Climate Variability in CCSM3

The Pacific multidecadal climate variability (PMV) is
an important
phenomenon that has significant economic and
societal impact. It is
not only of considerable scientific interest but also
a central
component for potential long-term climate prediction.
In this study,
the PMV in the Community Climate System Model version
3 (CCSM3)
is investigated with a combined statistical and
dynamical approach.
Specifically designed sensitivity experiments are
performed to
explicitly identify the origin of the PMV. The
results support a North
Pacific origin for the PMV, with the tropical
Pacific responding
passively. The North Pacific originated PMV is able
to significantly
impact the tropical Pacific and other sectors of the
globe through
atmospheric teleconnections. A first mechanism of the
PMV is
advanced based on a more thothough analysis,
characterized by a
crucial role of the subpolar North Pacific. The
analysis should help
shed some light on the origin and mechanism of PMV in
nature, and
should be especially useful to researchers in climate
change and
variability.

Autorentext

Yafang Zhong, Ph.D: Studied climate change and variability atCenter for Climate Change, University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Klappentext

The Pacific multidecadal climate variability (PMV) isan important phenomenon that has significant economic andsocietal impact. It is not only of considerable scientific interest but alsoa central component for potential long-term climate prediction.In this study, the PMV in the Community Climate System Model version3 (CCSM3) is investigated with a combined statistical anddynamical approach. Specifically designed sensitivity experiments areperformed to explicitly identify the origin of the PMV. Theresults support a North Pacific origin for the PMV, with the tropicalPacific responding passively. The North Pacific originated PMV is ableto significantly impact the tropical Pacific and other sectors of theglobe through atmospheric teleconnections. A first mechanism of thePMV is advanced based on a more thothough analysis,characterized by a crucial role of the subpolar North Pacific. Theanalysis should help shed some light on the origin and mechanism of PMV innature, and should be especially useful to researchers in climatechange and variability.