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Unveiling the workings of the NAO, its impact on hemispheric modes, and the driving force behind the mid-latitude jet through stirring and momentum fluxes. Examine the symmetric and asymmetric models and the influence of baroclinic eddies on weather patterns. Discover the interconnected nature of the NAO and AO.
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What is the NAO? Geoffrey Vallis1 and Adam Scaife2 April 2004 C20C workshop, ICTP. 1 - GFDL, Princeton, USA. 2 - Hadley Centre, Met Office, Exeter, UK.
Symmetric EOFs from asymmetric events. +ve events 1st EOF from symmetric GCM -ve events
1st EOF – statistically symmetric barotropic model. 1st EOF – asymmetric models. Barotropic model G.C.M.
Conclusions • The NAO (and AO) is produced by the forcing from weather. • Dipole patterns are a natural consequence of meridionally localised stirring by baroclinic eddies. • Stirring produces eddy momentum fluxes which drive the midlatitude westerly jet. • Zonally localised forcing/stirring produces zonally localised response (the NAO). • The same mechanism drives the NAO and AO.