Physical Processes Associated with the Tropical Atlantic SST Gradient during the Anomalous Evolution in the Southeastern Ocean

Abstract This work is focused on the evolution of the dominant air–sea coupled mode in the equatorial and southeastern tropical Atlantic and the associated physical processes. It is shown that in June–August (JJA) the evolution of the dominant mode is mainly dynamically driven and displays a coherent warming or cooling pattern extending from the Angola coast toward the equator in the Gulf of Guinea. For anomalies peaking in JJA, the warming (cooling) is initiated near the Angola coast in March–May. It is suggested that SST anomalies along the coast and near the equator are physically connected. The air–sea interaction along the coast may be a major factor in triggering the development of SST anomalies near the equator, which is intensified by local positive feedbacks that may include Bjerknes and Ekman processes. In return, the warming or cooling near the equator weaken the SST anomalies along the coast by changing the direction of anomalous wind. Slow westward Rossby wave propagation may also play a role...