Beneficios del acoplamiento en la simulación del clima de Sudamérica con modelos regionales

Abstract

We evaluate the benefits of the use of a regional coupled model over its stand-alone atmospheric component when forced by reanalysis data in the simulation of the South American climate. We find that the coupling allows for a better simulation of important features of the atmospheric circulation and surface temperature. The simulated 2 meters air temperature is improved over most of the continent, the sea level pressure over the South Pacific Anticyclone area is better represented in the coupled simulation and the location of the ITCZ is improved during the austral winter. The regionally coupled model not only improves the simulation of important features of the observed atmospheric fields but also demonstrates good skills in reproducing the Humbold upwelling system. Therefore, our study highlights the advantages of regional coupled models for the simulation of the South American climate, as the ocean-atmosphere interaction is of utmost importance for the circulation mechanisms that determine the climate of the region.