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Response of sea surface temperature to atmospheric rivers

Author

Listed:
  • Tien-Yiao Hsu

    (University of California San Diego)

  • Matthew R. Mazloff

    (University of California San Diego)

  • Sarah T. Gille

    (University of California San Diego)

  • Mara A. Freilich

    (Environmental and Planetary Sciences and Division of Applied Mathematics)

  • Rui Sun

    (University of California San Diego)

  • Bruce D. Cornuelle

    (University of California San Diego)

Abstract

Atmospheric rivers (ARs), responsible for extreme weather conditions, are mid-latitude systems that can cause significant damage to coastal areas. While forecasting ARs beyond two weeks remains a challenge, past research suggests potential benefits may come from properly accounting for the changes in sea surface temperature (SST) through air–sea interactions. In this paper, we investigate the impact of ARs on SST over the North Pacific by analyzing 25 years of ocean reanalysis data using an SST budget equation. We show that in the region of strong ocean modification, ocean dynamics can offset over 100% of the anomalous SST warming that would otherwise arise from atmospheric forcing. Among all ocean processes, ageostrophic advection and vertical mixing (diffusion and entrainment) are the most important factors in modifying the SST tendency response. The SST tendency response to ARs varies spatially. For example, in coastal California, the driver of enhanced SST warming is the reduction in ageostrophic advection due to anomalous southerly winds. Moreover, there is a large region where the SST shows a warming response to ARs due to the overall reduction in the total clouds and subsequent increase in total incoming shortwave radiation.

Suggested Citation

  • Tien-Yiao Hsu & Matthew R. Mazloff & Sarah T. Gille & Mara A. Freilich & Rui Sun & Bruce D. Cornuelle, 2024. "Response of sea surface temperature to atmospheric rivers," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-48486-9
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48486-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Xue Liu & Xiaohui Ma & Ping Chang & Yinglai Jia & Dan Fu & Guangzhi Xu & Lixin Wu & R. Saravanan & Christina M. Patricola, 2021. "Ocean fronts and eddies force atmospheric rivers and heavy precipitation in western North America," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-10, December.
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