Some advances in understanding of the general circulation of the Pacific Ocean, with emphasis on recent U.S. contributions

摘要: Advances in observing and understanding the general circulation of ocean have been made continuously through past two centuries. A recent burst activity Pacific has due to an interest ability understand model El Nino phenomenon, primarily Tropical Ocean Global Atmosphere (TOGA) program, larger scale phenomena such as heat transport basics circulation, activities World Circulation Experiment (WOCE). These experiments built on extensive knowledge derived over previous decades; a perusal at this point shows it be incomplete both observations theory is hoped that greatly increased focus climate issues, which very much include ocean's its variability, will go far improve our understanding. There equal or possibly greater advances Atlantic, observational base arid Indian Arctic Oceans advanced substantially. Two other reports volume [Fine, 1995; Hogg Johns, 1995] survey general-circulation related issues Atlantic. review time would premature given expansion WOCE programs next year. Thus order limit scope review, principal Ocean, emphasizing intermediate deep long scales variability. Observations are reviewed they relate simple theories circulation.