Ocean Circulation and Tropical Variability in the Coupled Model ECHAM5/MPI-OM

• DOI: 10.1175/jcli3827.1
• Publication Date: 2006-08-30T13:27:00Z
• Authors: J. H. Jungclaus; N. Keenlyside; M. Botzet; H. Haak; J.-J. Luo; M. Latif; J. Marotzke; U. Mikolajewicz; E. Roeckner
• Keywords: Wind Stress; Walker circulation

Abstract This paper describes the mean ocean circulation and tropical variability simulated by Max Planck Institute for Meteorology (MPI-M) coupled atmosphere–ocean general model (AOGCM). Results are presented from a version of that served as prototype Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fourth Assessment Report (AR4) simulations. The does not require flux adjustment to maintain stable climate. A control simulation with present-day greenhouse gases is analyzed, key oceanic features, such sea surface temperatures (SSTs), large-scale circulation, meridional heat freshwater transports, ice compared observations. parameterization accounts effect currents wind stress implemented in model. largest impact this Pacific, where state significantly improved: strength trade winds associated equatorial upwelling weaken, there reduction model’s cold SST bias more than 1 K. Equatorial also becomes realistic. reduced about 30% eastern Pacific extension into warm pool reduced. dominant El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) period shifts 3 4 yr. Without an unrealistically strong westward propagation anomalies simulated. reasons changes linked both atmospheric sensitivity anomalies.