Publication Date:
2014-03-14
Description:
Near-surface ozone depletion events (ODEs) generally occur in the Arctic spring, and the frequency shows large inter-annual variations. We use surface ozone measurements at Barrow, Alert, and Zeppelinfjellet to analyze if their variations are due to climate variability. In years with frequent ODEs at Barrow and Alert, the Western Pacific (WP) teleconnection pattern is usually in its negative phase, during which the Pacific jet is strengthened but the storm track originated over western Pacific is weakened. Both factors tend to reduce the transport of ozone-rich air-mass from mid-latitudes to the Arctic, creating a favorable environment for the ODEs. Correlation of ODE frequencies at Zeppelinfjellet with WP indices is higher in the 2000s, reflecting stronger influence of the WP pattern in recent decade to cover ODEs in broader Arctic regions. We find that the WP pattern can be used to diagnose ODE changes and subsequent environmental impacts in the Arctic spring.
Print ISSN:
0094-8276
Electronic ISSN:
1944-8007
Topics:
Geosciences
,
Physics
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