NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Use of Data to Improve El Nino Southern Oscillation Simulations and ForecastsVarious data over the period 1980-1998 have been used to improve El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) simulations and forecasts performed by coupled ocean/atmosphere models. For such a study, oceanic and atmospheric satellite data are necessary. Models assume a baroclinic ocean with a mixed layer coupled to a baroclinic atmosphere to simulate the anomalous fields. The various data have been used to revisit the parameterizations of the subsurface temperature in the mixed layer, atmospheric convection, and friction in the baroclinic ocean. This new model, named Tsub.Conv, simulates 4-year oscillations like the model with the original parameterization, but with anomalous thermocline and wind anomalies that agree a lot better with reality. The atmospheric model still presents some deficiencies in the eastern Pacific and when it is replaced by a statistical atmosphere, the coupled model (Tsub.Astat) performs even better. It is found that the off-equatorial ocean and wind curl anomalies play a crucial role for all these models and that Tsub.Astat simulates an ocean heat content recharge coming from the north prior to a warm event like the ones observed during the 1985-1992 period. The ENSO forecasts over 1980-1998 are considerably improved with Tsub.Astat. One needs to add the simulation of westerly wind bursts to be able to forecast the 1997 event one year in advance. Additional information is contained in the original.
Document ID
20000070389
Acquisition Source
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Document Type
Other
Authors
Perigaud, Claire
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA United States)
Date Acquired
August 19, 2013
Publication Date
April 1, 1999
Publication Information
Publication: Climate Variability Program
Subject Category
Oceanography
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available