Stratospheric role in interdecadal changes of El Niño impacts over Europe

• DOI: 10.1007/s00382-018-4186-3
• Publication Date: 2018-04-02T05:48:33Z
• Authors: B. Ayarzagüena; J. López-Parages; M. Iza; N. Calvo; B. Rodríguez-Fonseca
• Keywords: Teleconnection; Quasi-biennial oscillation

The European precipitation response to El Niño (EN) has been found present interdecadal changes, with alternated periods of important or negligible EN impact in late winter. These are associated opposite phases multi-decadal sea surface temperature (SST) variability, which modifies the tropospheric background and teleconnections. In addition, other studies have shown how SST anomalies equatorial Pacific, particular, location largest anomalous SST, modulate stratospheric EN. Nevertheless, role stratosphere on stationarity not investigated detail so far. Using reanalysis data, we a comprehensive study teleconnections Europe including ocean signal. results reveal multidecadal variability EN-related that determines different relevant signal over Europe, pattern resembles Eastern Pacific pathway plays key transmitting February, together two wavetrains transmit February April. Conversely, is detected weak precipitation, corresponding primarily located central Pacific. mean state its atmospheric control establishment aforementioned teleconnection too.