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Positive feedback of winter ocean-atmosphere interaction in Northwest Pacific

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Chinese Science Bulletin

Abstract

Using monthly mean atmospheric reanalysis data and oceanic assimilation data product, the winter ocean-atmosphere interaction in middle and high latitude in Northwest Pacific was studied. Key regions were chosen to study the variations of Aleutian Low, the 500hPa westerly, the meriodional sea surface temperature (SST) gradient with three indices defined as Aleutian Low index, zonal index and meridional SST gradient between Kuroshio-influenced region and Oyashio-influenced region. The results show that when there is a deeper Aleutian Low accompanied by a stronger northerly wind in the westem part of the Aleutian Low, the subpolar gyre of North Pacific is strengthened, the SST in the Oyashio-influenced region is decreased and the meridional SST gradient between Kuroshio-influ-enced region and Oyashio-influenced region is increased, which, in tum, will enhance the westerly jet in the upper troposphere due to thermal-wind relation. The strengthened westerly jet makes a favorable condition for the deeper Aleutian Low over North Pacific beneath the left part of the jet exit region. Consequently, a positive feedback forms there.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Physical Oceanography Laboratory and Ocean-Atmosphere Interaction and Climate Laboratory, Ocean University of China, Oingdao, 266003, China

    Zhu **aojie & Sun Jilin

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  1. Zhu **aojie
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  2. Sun Jilin
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Correspondence to Zhu **aojie.

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Zhu, X., Sun, J. Positive feedback of winter ocean-atmosphere interaction in Northwest Pacific. CHINESE SCI BULL 51, 2268–2274 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11434-006-2098-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11434-006-2098-9

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