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Eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean T‐S variations with El Niño
Author(s) -
Wang Ou,
Fukumori Ichiro,
Lee Tong,
Johnson Gregory C.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/2003gl019087
Subject(s) - pycnocline , oceanography , pacific ocean , salinity , mooring , geology , climatology , temperature salinity diagrams , environmental science
Temperature‐Salinity (T‐S) relationship variability in the pycnocline of the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean (NINO3 region, 5°S–5°N, 150°W–90°W) over the last two decades is investigated using observational data and model simulation. A numerical model simulation using the MITgcm (Massachusetts Institute of Technology General Circulation Model) suggests that, during El Niño years, the water in the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean becomes saltier (by 0.1 to 0.2) and warmer (by 0.5 to 1°C) on density surfaces within the pycnocline. This simulation is consistent with Conductivity‐Temperature‐Depth (CTD) data collected mostly during Tropical Atmosphere Ocean (TAO) mooring maintenance cruises.