Modelling the coupling between ocean and atmosphere; the global signature of the El Ni\~no/La Ni\~na Southern Oscillation

Abstract

Satellite and ground-based observations are used to explore the composite oceanic - atmospheric link known as the El Ni\~no/La Ni\~na Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon, which is closely associated with extreme weather events (e.g. heat waves, tornadoes, floods and droughts), incidence of epidemic diseases (e.g. malaria), severe coral bleaching, etc. The ENSO temporal evolution depends on the energy exchange between the coupled ocean/atmosphere system. Its cycle has an average period of about four years, but there is considerable modulation of it from several sources and this is not yet fully understood. This paper aims to give a better insight to the global signature of ENSO evolution considering both the continuous natural interactions taking place between ocean and atmosphere, and anthropogenic effects. The results obtained could be employed to elucidate the development of more accurate advanced modelling of ocean - atmosphere interactions, thereby improving climate change projections.