The Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) — a low-frequency variability in sea surface temperature that repeats roughly every 40 to 80 years in Atlantic — impacts global climate and influences frequency and severity of extreme weather events. High-resolution models can improve simulations of AMO, but researchers did not understand how. Now, an international team has figured out why more detailed models can simulate the AMO in a way that better matches with observed data.

A recent study published in SCIENCE CHINA Earth Sciences offers a comprehensive examination of factors driving the Arctic amplification, while also comparing quantitative results from multiple studies. The review highlights the complex interactions of various drivers, including local feedbacks, atmospheric circulation, ocean currents, and aerosols. It also underscores significant uncertainties in quantifying their contributions and emphasizes the need for more reliable data and improved models to enhance understanding and predictions of Arctic climate change.