A new study by the Institute of Atmospheric Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, challenges traditional climate research frameworks. Published in
with Dr. WANG Ya as the lead author and Dr. HU Kaiming and Dr. HUANG Gang as corresponding authors, this research demonstrates the pivotal role of nonlinear energy processes in shaping the zonal asymmetry observed in ENSO-induced Pacific-North American (PNA) wave trains.
Schematic representation of nonlinear energy advection and weather-scale eddy impact on ENSO teleconnections (Image by WANG Ya)
ENSO, a prominent climate phenomenon, has long been studied for its impact on global weather patterns. However, traditional linear energy conversion theories sometimes fall short in explaining real-world observations.
Dr. Gang Huang states: "Our research reveals that nonlinear energy processes play a crucial role in shaping the zonal asymmetry observed in ENSO-induced PNA wave patterns. This challenges traditional linear frameworks and underscores the need to consider nonlinear energy processes in climate research."
This study reveals that ENSO triggers a complex interplay of zonally symmetric and asymmetric responses within the atmosphere, ultimately affecting the positioning of PNA teleconnections. These findings emphasize the need to consider nonlinear energy processes in climate research.
Dr. Kaiming Hu adds: "The nonlinear energy advection processes we've uncovered drive contrasting energy advection modes during El Nino and La Nina events, leading to variations in the zonal position of the PNA pattern. This research enhances our understanding of how ENSO events impact weather patterns and climate systems."
The team's findings have been successfully reproduced and confirmed in model experiments of varying complexity, reinforcing the significance of nonlinear energy processes in shaping ENSO-induced teleconnections.
This research sheds new light on the intricate mechanisms at play in ENSO-induced teleconnections, enhancing our understanding of how ENSO events impact weather patterns and climate systems.
Reference: Wang, Y., Hu, K., Huang, G., & Tao, W. (2023). The role of nonlinear energy advection in forming asymmetric structure of ENSO teleconnections over the North Pacific and North America. Geophysical Research Letters, 50, e2023GL105277. https://doi.org/10.1029/2023GL105277
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