ON THE RESPONSE OF THE BACKGROUND ATMOSPHERIC CO2 GROWTH-RATE TO THE ANOMALIES OF THE SEA-SURFACE TEMPERATURE IN THE EQUATORIAL PACIFIC-OCEAN

The relationship between the anomalies in the sea-surface temperature of the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean region and the first derivative of the atmospheric CO2 concentration has been investigated by using cross-correlation and cross-spectral analysis. Data of the Barrow, Mauna Loa, Samoa and South Pole stations have been used in this study. The mature stage of the El Nino events usually leads the maxima of the CO2 growth rate, especially in the Mauna Loa and South Pole records. A significant time variability of the cross-correlation and cross-spectral patterns has been observed. Generally, the sea-surface temperature anomalies precede the changes in atmospheric CO2 growth rates by about 5-7 months at Mauna Loa, 7-9 months at Samoa and the South Pole and 8-13 months at Barrow. However, this pattern of response is notably altered during some periods. In addition, it is noted that the ocean does not seem to be the only cause of the anomalies in the atmospheric CO2 growth rate.