What controls the sea surface salinity variability in the equatorial Pacific?

Abstract:

Results from a model of the Consortium for Estimating the Circulation and Climate of the Ocean (ECCO) indicate that the long-term averaged surface freshwater flux is well balanced by ocean dynamics, in which subsurface processes account for a major part. Both surface freshwater flux and ocean dynamics are at work in generating the sea surface salinity variability in the equatorial Pacific. Particular attention is paid to the vertical entrainment of high salinity water from below. Water of subtropical origin resurfaces in the equatorial Pacific, directly contributing to the sea surface salinity variability there. Both the volume and barycenter of the resurfacing subtropical water show a strong ENSO signal. Their possible role in ENSO evolution is discussed.