Ocean Surface Temperature Response to Atmosphere-Ocean Interaction of the MJO: A Component of Coupled Air-Wave-Sea Processes in the Subtropics Department Research Initiative
Abstract
We are part of a multi-institutional research team funded by the ONR-sponsored the Coupled Air- Wave-Sea Processes in the Subtropics Departmental Research Initiative. The primary research goals of the program include: (i) Surface flux observations in regions of known coupled modes, (ii) Colocated observations of atmospheric and oceanic vertical structure and evolution, and (iii) Ocean mixed layer and marine atmospheric boundary layer dynamics, and interactions between these and the surface wave field, the free atmosphere, and the interior ocean. Our goals are to contribute innovative measurements, analyses and models of the sea surface temperature at length scales as small as a 1 meter up to 100 s of kilometers. This characterization includes the skin SST, waves, wave breaking, and upper ocean processes. The Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) is an intraseasonal oscillation which is most closely identified with the tropical Indian and Pacific Oceans, characterized by an eastward progression of a large (~2000 km) pattern, extending from the equator into the adjacent subtropical belts, with enhanced and suppressed rainfall. In the context of this DRI, understanding the complex processes involved in locations such as the MJO as it passes over the eastern Indian Ocean are necessary steps for evaluating the modulation of SST and atmosphere-ocean feedbacks, for validating ocean and climate models, and for making prognostic assessments of oceanic circulation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA572583
Entities
People
- Christopher J Zappa
Organizations
- Columbia University