Coupled dynamics of the North Equatorial Countercurrent and Intertropical Convergence Zone with relevance to the double-ITCZ problem.

ABSTRACT: The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is a salient feature of tropical atmospheric circulation characterized by intense convective clouds and rainfall north of the equator. Climate models, however, commonly experience the double-ITCZ problem-the tendency to produce another strong precipitation band but south of the equator. Here, we describe coupled interaction between the ITCZ and the North Equatorial Countercurrent (NECC) that is relevant to this problem. This current is a major component of the tropical Pacific upper-ocean circulation, which flows against easterly trade winds and transports warm water from the western Pacific eastward. Its core follows the latitudinal position of the ITCZ. Trade winds converge toward the ITCZ, creating a local minimum in zonal winds and generating p

SUBMITTER: Li Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9351362 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature