Work

ENSO Modulates the Oceanic Excitation of Polar Motion

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) exerts a strong control on interannual length‐of‐day variations, but its imprint on polar motion excitation remains to be identified. We explore the hypothesis that part of this imprint is embedded in oceanic angular momentum (OAM) changes, particularly that component driven by ocean bottom pressure variations. Analysis of coupled climate model output suggests that the main ENSO signatures in are intensified fluctuations in the Bellingshausen Basin and a large‐scale see‐saw between Pacific and Indian oceans. These patterns are also present in satellite gravimetry data and primarily excite polar motion along 90E. Inferred OAM changes account for 40%–50% of the variance in observed polar motion excitation during El Niño/La Niña cycles, upon removal of known geophysical fluid effects. However, given the co‐occurrence of ENSO and other (oceanic) excitation signals, polar motion data may only provide limited insights into variability of this climate mode.

Source: Geophysical Research Letters

DOI: 10.1029/2025gl118576

Authors: L. Börger, K. M. Lentge, M. Schindelegger, H. Dobslaw

Institutions: University of Bonn, GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences

Language: English

Topic: Geophysics and Gravity Measurements

Subfield: Oceanography

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Life below water, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,190