Project Grant 2219257

This three-year, $834,774 National Science Foundation project grant supports research into further studies of dynamics for El Niño-Southern Oscillation diversity and complexity under the Geosciences program (CFDA 47.050). The University of Hawaii at Manoa will conduct a systematic investigation of spatiotemporal complexity in the El Niño-Southern Oscillation phenomenon. Researchers will develop new theoretical approaches and use a range of models together with observations and climate model outputs to better understand the fundamental dynamics associated with unique regimes of El Niño diversity. This includes assessing linear and nonlinear sensitivity of leading coupled ENSO modes, interactions with the annual cycle and transient phenomena, and responses to climate mean state biases and changes. In addition to training graduate students and young scientists, the work is expected to lead to improved conceptual models of ENSO, understandings of key physical processes for complexity, and insights into improving climate model simulations and forecasting skills.