Extended Abstract (100K)4.9
Variations in the South Pacific Convergence Zone and influences on South Pacific Climate
M. James Salinger, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Auckland and Wellington, New Zealand; and J. A. Renwick and A. B. Mullan
The South Pacific Convergence Zone (SPCZ), the dominant feature of the atmospheric circulation in the south west Pacific, varies its location on interannual to decadal timescales. Interannual variability is largely driven by the polarity of the El Nino/Southern Oscillation, whilst decadal variability occurs in phase with the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO). As a result the SPCZ plays a pivotal role in both variability and trends in South Pacific climate. This variability modulates longer term warming trends observed in the region. These movements, and impacts on South Pacific climate are discussed.
Session 4, Interdecadal and Longer Term Climate Variability I
Tuesday, 25 March 2003, 8:30 AM-1:30 PM
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