An overview of the North Atlantic Oscillation

摘要: The North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) is one of the most prominent and recurrent patterns atmospheric circulation variability. It dictates climate variability from eastern seaboard United States to Siberia Arctic subtropical Atlantic, especially during boreal winter, so variations in NAO are important society for environment. Understanding processes that govern this is, therefore, high priority, context global change. This review, aimed at a scientifically diverse audience, provides general background material other chapters monograph, it synthesizes some their central points. begins with description spatial structure variability, including how relates There no unique way define NAO, or thus its temporal evolution, but several common approaches illustrated. relationship between surface temperature, storms precipitation, economy, as well ocean ecosystem responses described. Although mode internal atmosphere, indices exhibit decadal trends. That not all can be attributed intraseasonal stochastic points role external forcings and, perhaps, small useful amount predictability. surface, stratospheric anthropogenic may influence phase amplitude reviewed.