Large-scale air-sea interaction and atmospheric circulation patterns

A general discussion of the large scale circulation patterns to the atmosphere and several mechanisms which could influence their year-to-year variability is presented. Specific processes accounting for the bulk of energy exchange between the ocean and atmosphere and the resulting effects upon the general circulation are described. From this bakground, the overall problem of short-term (months to seasons) climatic forecasting is discussed with particular emphasis upon the role of the oceans.A descriptive analysis is made of the last three winters in the western United States as specific illustrations of the general concepts.