1996: Tropical Atlantic Climate Variability

Team Members: Chantale Damas, Ben Lewis, Wilson Obi, Lisa Sarma

Research Objectives

The main objective is to understand the physical processes which affect the Tropical Atlantic SST variability by conducting a heat budget analysis. Of the several components of the heat budget, the focus will be on the net surface energy flux.

Tools: Two coupled ocean models will be used, the GFDL AGCO and the GISS AOGCM (coupled ocean-atmosphere). Model run B122 is being used. From this 112-year the geographic area of interest is 75°W × 1°0E, 3°0S × 3°0N, with the following variables extracted for the analysis: SST, salinity, EW current, NS current, EW wind stress, NS wind stress, fresh water flux and net heat flux. Fortran programs and PLTGKS plotting program are being used for calculations and graphic analysis.

Tasks: Study the temporal variability by generating time evolution plots over 60 years in order to see on what time scales this variability occurs.

Tasks: Study the spatial variability by making plots of the standard deviation of variability over model years 2003 to 2053. Locate the areas of largest variability.

Tasks: Correlate the time rate of change of SST with the net surface energy flux to see how much of a factor this variable is in the SST variability. Time permitting; compare results with Josh and Errol's findings from their study of changes in sea surface pressure and the North Atlantic Oscillation. Such a regional comparison may improve our understanding of the extent and contributing factors to SST variability in this region of the world.