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Recent studies show that an ENSO component of west Antarctic climate variability is related to a persistent zonal pressure anomaly in the south Pacific, which in turn is related to the zonal wave 1 of the subpolar atmospheric circulation. In order to promote further investigation into its dynamics, a suite of time series are presented that describe the intensity and location of ZW1. These time series are shown to represent the SH zonally asymmetric circulation reasonably well. Analysis of the time series suggests that, consistent with previous research, there was a poleward and eastward shift in ZW1 over the late 20th Century. There was also an increase in amplitude variance over this period. Cross-correlation confirms a link with ENSO, and suggests a link between the subtropical and subpolar ZW1. Results also indicate a significant local interaction between south Pacific sea surface temperature and the intensity and location of ZW1.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	Southern Hemisphere atmosphere; climate dynamics
Research Division:	Earth Sciences
Research Group:	Atmospheric sciences
Research Field:	Atmospheric dynamics
Objective Division:	Environmental Policy, Climate Change and Natural Hazards
Objective Group:	Understanding climate change
Objective Field:	Effects of climate change on Antarctic and sub-Antarctic environments (excl. social impacts)
UTAS Author:	Hobbs, WR (Dr Will Hobbs)
ID Code:	81125
Year Published:	2007
Web of Science® Times Cited:	14
Deposited By:	IMAS Research and Education Centre
Deposited On:	2012-11-22
Last Modified:	2012-12-13
Downloads:	359 View Download Statistics