Abstract:
A simple atmosphere and ocean model of relevance to El Nino
and Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is discussed. Both the
atmosphere and ocean models are two layer, three
dimensional, linear and baroclinic, and generally follow
the Oregon State University coupled general circulation
model. However, the parameterization differs considerably
from previous work in the treatment of the atmospheric
latent heat release. This new parameterization follows the
formula used in the theory of conditional instability of
the second kind (CISK). In this the latent heat release is
proportional to the low level convergence. Utilizing the
"Comprehensive Ocean Atmosphere Data Set" (COADS), which
contains all oceanic and atmospheric surface variables over
the global ocean from 1946-1979, experimental model results
are discussed for determination of the validity of the
parameterizations. In particular, the years 1957, 1965 and
1972 in which El Nino events occurred are examined. The
parameterization is deemed to be realistic, and should
permit simulation of the El Nino upon coupling the two
models.
