Atmospheric circulation patterns associated with surface air temperature variability trends between the Antarctic Peninsula and South America

Abstract

This study investigated the spatial patterns of atmospheric circulation associated with surface air temperature variability trends between the Antarctic Peninsula and South America, during the austral summer . The first mode shows a positive score trend, with warming in northern Antarctic Peninsula and southern South America. This mode is mainly associated with the positive/neutral Southern Annular Mode and La Niña phases. There is an anomalous low pressure in the Southeast Pacific, a strengthening (weakening) of the polar (subtropical) jet and a strengthening and/or south/southwest displacement of the South Atlantic Subtropical High, which can prevent the passage of transient systems over the continent. In addition, there is a negative phase pattern of the South Atlantic Dipole, which contributes to the strengthening of the South Atlantic Convergence Zone convective activity. The second mode shows a negative score trend, with cooling in the Antarctic Peninsula/southernmost South America and warming between 10-40°S over South America. This mode is mainly associated with the spatial pattern of Central Pacific El Niño. There is a strengthening of the low-level jet and a strengthening of the western branch of the South Atlantic Subtropical High, all of which contribute to the suppression of the South Atlantic Convergence Zone.