Work

Intensification of Decadal Variability in Sea Surface Salinity in the Western Tropical Pacific

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The decadal variability of sea surface salinity (SSS) is crucial for the global water cycle and the climate system. Previous studies have indicated that the SSS in the western tropical Pacific (WTP) Ocean exhibits significant decadal variability, which plays an important role in shaping tropical climate. Here we find that the amplitude of SSS decadal variability in the WTP has been intensified significantly since the early 1950s. A comprehensive analysis of the salinity budget indicates that the amplifying of SSS decadal variability in the WTP is primarily attributed to changes in both the freshwater flux and ocean dynamics. During the past decades, surface currents in the WTP get stronger and result in enhanced salinity advection. In addition, the amplitude of decadal variability of freshwater flux is increased as well due to anomalous atmospheric circulation associated with the Victoria mode.

Source: Geophysical Research Letters

DOI: 10.1029/2024gl113453

Authors: Yue Wu, Guanghui Zhou, Shijian Hu

Institutions: Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Climate variability and models

Subfield: Global and Planetary Change

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Life below water

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,190