Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
5.7
3.2
Journals
Climate
Special Issues
The Dynamics and Impacts of Ocean-Atmosphere Coupling on Regional and...
share announcement

The Dynamics and Impacts of Ocean-Atmosphere Coupling on Regional and Global Climate

A special issue of Climate (ISSN 2225-1154).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2026 | Viewed by 7162

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Aixue Hu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Climate Change Research Section (CCR), Global Climate Dynamics Laboratory (CGD), National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), 1850 Table Mesa Dr., Boulder, CO 80305, USA
Interests: global and regional sea level change in the past and future; atlantic meridional overturning circulation and its impact on global and regional climate; influence of decadal-interdecadal variability on global and regional climate
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Mengrong Ding

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Marine Science and Technology College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China
Interests: mesoscale dynamics; mesoscale air–sea interaction; extreme ocean events; climate change; high-resolution modelling

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The ocean and atmosphere, as two of the most critical components of the Earth’s system, interact across a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. These interactions regulate the global energy balance and water cycle, significantly influencing both global and regional climate changes. Enhancing our understanding of ocean–atmosphere coupling at various scales is crucial for improving our capability in predicting different modes of climate variability. As a result, ocean–atmosphere coupling has become a cutting-edge field of interest in both oceanography and atmospheric science, with the potential to drive significant breakthroughs in predictions across scales and future climate change research.

Understanding ocean–atmosphere coupling requires a multi-faceted approach, incorporating perspectives across various time scales (daily, seasonal, inter-annual, decadal, and multi-decadal), spatial scales (large-scale, mesoscale, and submesoscale), and latitudinal variations (as dominant air–sea coupling processes can differ significantly in tropical, subtropical, mid-latitude, and polar regions). This research also necessitates the integration of diverse disciplines, including meteorology, oceanography, hydrology, biology, and ecology. Moreover, advancing our understanding depends on robust data support from observations, ocean–atmosphere coupled models, reanalysis products, and other sources. This Special Issue aims to foster a comprehensive understanding of the intricate interactions within ocean–atmosphere coupling and address critical scientific challenges that remain unresolved.

This Special Issue welcomes original research articles and reviews. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • The roles of air–sea interactions at different scales in the global energy and water cycle processes;
  • Changes in the ocean, atmosphere, and coupled systems in the context of global warming;
  • Air–sea interactions during extreme weather events, such as typhoons/hurricanes;
  • The relationship between ocean–atmosphere coupling processes in key oceanic regions and global climate change;

Development and application of numerical models, data assimilation methods, and reanalysis systems in ocean–atmosphere coupling research.

Dr. Aixue Hu
Dr. Mengrong Ding
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Climate is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • ocean–atmosphere coupling
  • multiple scales
  • climate change
  • S2S and S2D prediction
  • heat and momentum exchanges
  • ENSO
  • storm track

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

19 pages, 8597 KB  
Article
Resilience of the North Atlantic Circulation on Decadal Timescales
by Dan Seidov, Alexey Mishonov and James Reagan
Climate 2026, 14(5), 99; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli14050099 (registering DOI) - 2 May 2026
Abstract
The circulation of the North Atlantic Ocean plays a vital role in the Earth’s climate system. Numerous studies, primarily through computer simulations, have examined the stability of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) in a warming climate. Some of these studies predict a [...] Read more.
The circulation of the North Atlantic Ocean plays a vital role in the Earth’s climate system. Numerous studies, primarily through computer simulations, have examined the stability of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) in a warming climate. Some of these studies predict a potential collapse of the AMOC in the foreseeable future, which would require a significant influx of freshwater into the subpolar North Atlantic (NA) and Nordic Seas. Paleoreconstructions of NA circulation indicate a major shift in the position of the subpolar cold front, which either precedes or coincides with substantial changes in AMOC dynamics. These changes in the front position imply a significant alteration in circulation patterns, beginning with the noticeable restructuring of the subtropical and subpolar gyres. This would lead to modifications in the Gulf Stream system and the North Atlantic Current (NAC), affecting the thermohaline fields and the position and strength of these two current systems. Although some models predict a significant slowdown or even collapse of the AMOC, recent observational studies have offered a more cautious perspective. For instance, the Gulf Stream system exhibits high resilience to perturbations caused by ongoing sea surface warming. In this study, we analyzed the decadal variability of temperature and salinity from in situ observations, along with upper-ocean currents in the subpolar NA (SPNA). We found that the thermohaline pattern of the upper ocean layers in the SPNA and Nordic Seas has remained resilient for over 70 years. The deceleration of the AMOC is evident but relatively modest, with average velocities in the upper layers decreasing by less than 10–15% over 30 years. This deceleration was also inconsistent throughout the NAC region. Furthermore, the subpolar front migration over 70 years, as manifested in isotherm spatial variability, reached a maximum of 3° of latitude, with spatial variability of the yearly 10 °C isotherms being lower. Overall, the conclusion regarding the resilience of the NAC aligns well with that of the Gulf Stream, with no substantial changes in the position or intensity of the subpolar gyre. We conclude that while the AMOC is susceptible to some deceleration due to ongoing surface warming and/or high-latitude freshening, it may also be sufficiently resilient to withstand these changes. Although it cannot be entirely ruled out that the AMOC may reach its tipping point within this century, an analysis of data on decadal variability in the upper arm of the AMOC suggests that such a collapse is unlikely to occur. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Dynamics and Impacts of Ocean-Atmosphere Coupling on Regional and Global Climate)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 79340 KB  
Article
Hydrodynamic Changes in the Gulf of California Under Different Climate Change Scenarios: 2015–2100
by Metzli Romero-Robles and David Alberto Salas-de-León
Climate 2026, 14(4), 79; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli14040079 - 31 Mar 2026
Viewed by 1025
Abstract
Ocean warming driven by climate change is altering regional circulation patterns and the balance of hydrodynamic forcings in semi-enclosed seas. Understanding how these changes affect ocean circulation and stratification is critical, as they directly influence marine productivity and ecosystem functioning in highly sensitive [...] Read more.
Ocean warming driven by climate change is altering regional circulation patterns and the balance of hydrodynamic forcings in semi-enclosed seas. Understanding how these changes affect ocean circulation and stratification is critical, as they directly influence marine productivity and ecosystem functioning in highly sensitive regions such as the Gulf of California. This study examines the hydrodynamic response of the Gulf of California under three climate change scenarios (SSP1–2.6, SSP2–4.5, SSP5–8.5) projected from 2015 to 2100 using the CNRM-CM6-1-HR global climate model. We evaluate changes in sea surface temperature, surface circulation, and the relative contributions of dominant dynamic forcing mechanisms at annual and interannual scales. Results reveal a basin-wide warming trend accompanied by an increased frequency of extreme heat events. Surface current velocities weaken throughout the Gulf, exhibiting a consistent negative trend, with the strongest decline occurring under SSP5–8.5 in the central basin (−5.1×10−4 m s−1 year−1). Wind speed also shows a general decreasing tendency, contributing to reduced circulation intensity and enhanced stratification. The analysis of dimensionless numbers indicates moderate but consistent changes in the relative balance among inertial, baroclinic, and wind-driven processes. Although their proportions vary slightly across scenarios, the dominant forcing hierarchy remains largely preserved, suggesting a gradual modulation in forcing intensity rather than a fundamental reorganization of the hydrodynamic regime. These findings highlight spatial contrasts in climate sensitivity within the Gulf of California and underscore the importance of regional-scale assessments for anticipating future changes in circulation dynamics and marine ecosystem responses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Dynamics and Impacts of Ocean-Atmosphere Coupling on Regional and Global Climate)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 1352 KB  
Article
Long-Term Variation in Mesoscale Eddy Activity Around the Kuroshio in the East China Sea During 1993–2023
by Mengrong Ding, Yujie Han, Yong Jiang, Yongheng Yao and Zipeng Yu
Climate 2026, 14(2), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli14020060 - 19 Feb 2026
Viewed by 908
Abstract
Mesoscale eddies are highly active around the Kuroshio in the East China Sea (ECS), serving as a crucial component of the ECS’s complex dynamic environment. However, the long-term variation in mesoscale eddies in this region has not been systematically investigated. Based on daily [...] Read more.
Mesoscale eddies are highly active around the Kuroshio in the East China Sea (ECS), serving as a crucial component of the ECS’s complex dynamic environment. However, the long-term variation in mesoscale eddies in this region has not been systematically investigated. Based on daily satellite altimeter data spanning from January 1993 to December 2023, this study comprehensively investigates the trend characteristics of mesoscale eddies in the ECS during this period, using eddy metrics such as Eddy Kinetic Energy (EKE) and eddy polarity probability. EKE in the ECS is primarily high around the Kuroshio, exhibiting a significant increasing trend. This upward trend is more pronounced in summer, autumn, and winter, all of which pass the significance test. From the statistics of coherent mesoscale eddies, cyclonic and anticyclonic eddies show opposite trend characteristics: cyclonic eddies display trends of decreasing number and weakening intensity, while anticyclonic eddies exhibit trends of increasing number and strengthening intensity. Energy transfer from the background flow makes a certain contribution to the aforementioned trends, but is relatively complex. The opposing trend characteristics exhibited by eddies of different polarities are related to the northwestward shift of Kuroshio Current. The nonuniform changes in cyclonic and anticyclonic eddies could affect the regional patterns of ocean circulation and biogeochemical responses to future climate change. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Dynamics and Impacts of Ocean-Atmosphere Coupling on Regional and Global Climate)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 2489 KB  
Article
Interannual Variability in Barotropic Sea Level Differences Across the Korea/Tsushima Strait and Its Relationship to Upper-Ocean Current Variability in the Western North Pacific
by Jihwan Kim, Hanna Na and SeungYong Lee
Climate 2025, 13(7), 144; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli13070144 - 9 Jul 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1422
Abstract
The barotropic sea level difference (SLD) across the Korea/Tsushima Strait (KTS) is considered an index of the volume transport into the East/Japan Sea. This study investigates the interannual variability of the barotropic SLD (the KTS inflow) from 1985 to 2017 and its relationship [...] Read more.
The barotropic sea level difference (SLD) across the Korea/Tsushima Strait (KTS) is considered an index of the volume transport into the East/Japan Sea. This study investigates the interannual variability of the barotropic SLD (the KTS inflow) from 1985 to 2017 and its relationship to upper-ocean (<300 m) current variability in the western North Pacific. An increase in the KTS inflow is associated with a weakening of the Kuroshio current through the Tokara Strait and upper-ocean cooling in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre, characteristic of a La Niña-like state. Diagnostic analysis reveals that the KTS inflow variability is linked to at least two statistically distinct and concurrent modes of oceanic variability. The first mode is tied to the El Niño–Southern Oscillation through large-scale changes in the Kuroshio system. The second mode, which is linearly uncorrelated with the first, is associated with regional eddy kinetic energy variability in the western North Pacific. The identification of these parallel pathways suggests a complex regulatory system for the KTS inflow. This study provides a new framework for understanding the multi-faceted connection between the KTS and upstream oceanic processes, with implications for the predictability of the ocean environmental conditions in the East/Japan Sea. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Dynamics and Impacts of Ocean-Atmosphere Coupling on Regional and Global Climate)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 4286 KB  
Article
El Niño Magnitude and Western Pacific Warm Pool Displacement. Part II: Future Changes Under Global Warming
by Zhuoxin Gu and De-Zheng Sun
Climate 2025, 13(5), 97; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli13050097 - 9 May 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2572
Abstract
Observations reveal a strong correlation between the magnitude of El Niño and the displacement of the eastern edge of the western Pacific warm pool (WPWP). In Part I, this relationship was examined in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) models using [...] Read more.
Observations reveal a strong correlation between the magnitude of El Niño and the displacement of the eastern edge of the western Pacific warm pool (WPWP). In Part I, this relationship was examined in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) models using their historical simulations, and it was found to be comparable to that in the observations. The present study extends the analysis to future projections under two Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) scenarios—SSP245 and SSP585—to assess whether this strong relationship persists under global warming. It is found that El Niño magnitude and WPWP boundary displacement in most models under global warming are as strongly correlated as in the observations and their historical simulations. Moreover, most models project that stronger El Niño events will be accompanied by a greater eastward displacement of the WPWP boundary. For models with a positive response, the ensemble projects an increase in El Niño magnitude of 0.21 ± 0.03 °C (0.20 ± 0.03 °C) under the SSP245 (SSP585) scenario, accompanied by an eastward displacement of the WPWP by 11.7 ± 1.3° (11.1 ± 1.0°) in longitude. These results further support the notion that El Niño is a consequence of the eastward extension of the WPWP. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Dynamics and Impacts of Ocean-Atmosphere Coupling on Regional and Global Climate)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-5
Back to TopTop