Pertinence of climate indices

Using a comprehensive set of atmosphere, ocean, and biology data spanning the period 1951 -2018, researchers found that the large-scale climate patterns associated with leading climate indices have changed as atmosphere-ocean interactions have changed; the authors also found that these changes have resulted in the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) and North Pacific Gyre Oscillation (NPGO) indices becoming less relevant to ecological variability in the Pacific Ocean, according to the study.

Article #19-21266: “The changing physical and ecological meanings of North Pacific Ocean climate indices,” by Michael A. Litzow et al.

MEDIA CONTACT: Michael A. Litzow, NOAA Fisheries, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, Kodiak, AK; tel: 907-481-1711, 907-942-5082, email:

[email protected]

###