Key factors in simulating the equatorial Atlantic zonal sea surface temperature gradient in a coupled general circulation model.

Tozuka, Tomoki, Doi, Takeshi, Miyasaka, Takafumi, Keenlyside, Noel S. and Yamagata, Toshio (2011) Key factors in simulating the equatorial Atlantic zonal sea surface temperature gradient in a coupled general circulation model. Open Access Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, 116 (C6). C06010. DOI 10.1029/2010JC006717.

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Abstract

Causes of the coupled model bias in simulating the zonal sea surface temperature (SST) gradient in the equatorial Atlantic are examined in three versions of the same coupled general circulation model (CGCM) differing only in the cumulus convection scheme. One version of the CGCM successfully simulates the mean zonal SST gradient of the equatorial Atlantic, in contrast to the failure of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 3 models. The present analysis shows that key factors to be successful are high skills in simulating the meridional location of the Intertropical Convergence Zone, the precipitation over northern South America, and the southerly winds along the west coast of Africa associated with the West African monsoon in boreal spring. Model biases in the Pacific contribute to the weaker precipitation over northern South America. Uncoupled experiments with the atmospheric component further confirm the importance of remote influences on the development of the equatorial Atlantic bias.
Key Points:
The zonal SST gradient of the equatorial Atlantic is well simulated in a CGCM;
Key factors for the realistic simulation of the Atlantic SST are presented;
Remote forcing from the Pacific may contribute to the Atlantic SST bias

Document Type: Article
Keywords: Oceanography; Meteorology; SST; Sea surface temperature; coupled general circulation model; CGCM
Research affiliation: OceanRep > GEOMAR > FB1 Ocean Circulation and Climate Dynamics > FB1-ME Maritime Meteorology
Refereed: Yes
Open Access Journal?: No
Publisher: AGU (American Geophysical Union)
Date Deposited: 04 Jan 2012 12:09
Last Modified: 19 Jan 2018 11:48
URI: https://oceanrep.geomar.de/id/eprint/13234

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