Fig. 4: Schematic of mechanisms.
From: Cross-hemispheric SST propagation enhances the predictability of tropical western Pacific climate
Schematic summarizing the interhemispheric propagation of western Pacific SST anomalies starting from boreal spring as described in this study. Green arrows are surface wind anomalies. Solid black line is the approximate position of the western Pacific ITCZ in different seasons. Dashed and solid circles represent anomalous low and high pressure, respectively. Colored shading denotes SST anomalies. During boreal spring, the SWP warming-induced anomalous low pressure and northerly winds weaken the trade winds south of the equator, initiating the WES feedback. During boreal summer, the SST warming progresses toward the north of Australia, and the atmospheric responses lead to modulation of cross-equatorial monsoon flow and suppression of turbulent flux release in tropical western Pacific. The WES feedback maintains the northward propagation of SST anomalies. During boreal autumn, the warming signal crosses the equator into the northern western Pacific, influencing the Northern Hemisphere climate.
