Sensitivity of Intraseasonal Perturbations in SST to the Structure of the MJO

Abstract

This study demonstrates that intraseasonal perturbations in sea surface temperature (SST?) in the western Pacific warm pool is very sensitive to the structure, as well as other characteristics, of the Madden?Julian oscillation (MJO). SST? is simulated using a one-dimensional ocean mixed-layer model and idealized MJO surface forcing that mimics observations. The amplitude and phase of simulated SST? and its sensitivity to precipitation all depend on the structure of the MJO. It is concluded that a realistic structure of simulated MJO in a coupled model is as vital as realistic phase speed and zonal scale to correctly interpreting the effect of air?sea interaction on the MJO.