The Relative Roles of Different Physical Processes in Unstable Midlatitude Ocean–Atmosphere Interactions

Following Goodman and Marshall (hereinafter GM), an improved intermediate midlatitude coupled ocean–atmosphere model linearized around a basic state is developed. The model assumes a two-layer quasigeostrophic atmosphere overlying a quasigeostrophic upper ocean that consists of a constant-depth mixed layer, a thin entrainment layer, and a thermocline layer. The SST evolution is determined within the mixed layer by advection, entrainment, and air–sea flux. The atmospheric heating is specified at midlevel, which is parameterized in terms of both the SST and atmospheric temperature anomalies. With this coupled model, the dynamical features of unstable ocean–atmosphere interactions in the midlatitudes are investigated. The coupled model exhibits two types of coupled modes: the coupled oceanic Rossby wave mode and the SST-only mode. The SST-only mode decays over the entire range of wavelengths, whereas the coupled oceanic Rossby wave mode destabilizes over a certain range of wavelengths (∼10 500 km) w...