Observations and theories of large-scale dynamics of the coupled ocean-atmosphere system (Invited Presentation)

Current theories for climate variability arising from coupled ocean- atmosphere interactions and their relevance for understanding the observed record of climate variability will be presented. Conceptual models of the large-scale dynamics of the coupled ocean/ atmosphere system include paradigms for ENSO, midlatitude variability involving the wind-driven ocean gyre circulations, oceanic linkages between the Tropics and midlatitudes, and high latitude variability associated with fluctuations in the thermohaline circulation. The stochastic climate model "null hypothesis" for climate variability resulting from ocean-atmosphere interactions will also be discussed. In each case, the observational evidence in support of and in contradiction to the theory will be reviewed.