Deep ocean impact of a Madden-Julian oscillation observed by Argo floats

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Abstract

Using the new Argo array of profiling floats that gives unprecedented space-time coverage of the upper 2000 meters of the global ocean, we present definitive evidence of a deep tropical ocean component of the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO). The surface wind stress anomalies associated with the MJO force eastward-propagating oceanic equatorial Kelvin waves that extend downward to 1500 meters. The amplitude of the deep ocean anomalies is up to 6 times the amplitude of the observed annual cycle. This deep ocean sink of energy input from the wind is potentially important for understanding phenomena such as El Nino-Southern Oscillation and for interpreting deep ocean measurements made from ships.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1765-1769
Number of pages5
JournalScience
Volume318
Issue number5857
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2007

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