Scientists unravel effect of ENSO and Atlantic multidecadal oscillation on the East Asian winter monsoon

Past studies have indicated that the Atlantic Ocean acts as a pacemaker for the Pacific sea surface temperature (SST) mean state and variability. The Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) could modulate the variability of the El NiƱo-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) by changing the Walker circulation, wave trains, storm track and surface winds. Both the ENSO and PDO are closely related to the East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM). Thus, it is reasonable to speculate that the AMO may modulate the Pacific SST-EAWM relationship, but exactly how remains unclear.