Abstract

This study uses a simple linear coupled model to investigate the role of the WES feedback and ITCZ mean states in meridional mode variability. Optimal structures that maximize transient growth are calculated for mean states characteristic of boreal spring and boreal fall in the tropical Atlantic. During boreal spring the leading optimal structure is a zonal mode that propagates westward and does not resemble the observed meridional mode. In contrast, the leading optimal structure during fall is a sea surface temperature (SST) monopole over the Northern Hemisphere (NH) that propagates equatorward and westward and that closely matches meridional mode variability during this season. It is found that the boreal fall optimal growth greatly exceeds growth of the corresponding optimal during boreal spring, despite the observed boreal spring peak in Atlantic meridional mode variance. Sensitivity studies are used to explore the role of Northern or Southern Hemisphere initial conditions, ITCZ width, and ITCZ location in meridional mode growth and structure. It is found that growth is favored (i) for optimal structures that originate in the Northern Hemisphere, especially for boreal fall mean states; (ii) for symmetric mean states, equatorially symmetric structures maximize growth under narrow ITCZ configurations, and antisymmetric structures maximize growth under wider ITCZ configurations; and (iii) for antisymmetric mean states (and realistic ITCZ width), growth is maximized when the ITCZ is located off of the equator. The implications of these findings are discussed.