Regional atmospheric response to tropical Pacific SST perturbations

• Main Authors: Katsafados, P., Papadopoulos, A., Kallos, G.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: 2005
• Subjects: Pacific; Eta; North Atlantic
• Online Access: https://pergamos.lib.uoa.gr/uoa/dl/object/uoadl:3017839

An extended domain limited area model was implemented for seasonal-range simulations to assess the effect of tropical Pacific SST perturbations on weather patterns over Europe and Mediterranean. The experimental method consisted of Skiron/Eta model integrations with coarse and fine grid increment using artificially-modified as well as analysis SST forcing. The selected period was August-October 1997. Model simulations with coarse grid increment produced a weak signal in the precipitation pattern and the synoptic scale circulation over Europe, implying a damping of the North Atlantic atmospheric response to the tropical Pacific SST perturbation. Fine resolution experiments suggested an amplified dynamic response providing a direct link between tropical Pacific SST and North Atlantic synoptic circulation. The output signal is mainly attributed to the effective representation of the regional/ mesoscale atmospheric features due to the model implementation with a fine mesh grid. Copyright 2005 by the American Geophysical Union.