Convergence feedback and unstable low frequency oscillations in a simple coupled ocean-atmosphere model

Abstract

The role of convergence feedback on the stability of a coupled ocean-atmosphere system is studied using model III of Hirst (1986). It is shown that the unstable coupled mode found by Hirst is greatly modified by the convergence feedback. If the convergence feedback strength exceeds a critical value, several new unstable intraseasonal modes are also introduced. These modes have very weak dependence on the wave number. These results may explain the behaviour of some coupled models and to some extent provide a mechanism for the observed aperiodicity of the El-Nino and Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events.