The Pacific Decadal Oscillation Modulates Tropical Cyclone Days on the Interannual Timescale in the North Pacific Ocean

The North Pacific Ocean is the most active region on our planet in terms of tropical cyclone (TC) activity. These storms are responsible for numerous fatalities and economic damages, affecting the livelihood of those living in the impacted areas. Historically the examination of TCs in the North Pacific Ocean has been performed separately for its two main sub-basins: the West North Pacific and the East North Pacific. Here, we consider the TC activity in the North Pacific as a single basin and examine the climate processes responsible for its number of TC days. We show that the Pacific Decadal Oscillation modulates the number of TC days in the North Pacific Ocean through its connection to the sea surface temperature. The insights from this work will advance the understanding of the climate processes responsible for these storms, and will provide valuable information toward our preparation and adaptation efforts on long timescales.

Automated summary

The North Pacific Ocean is the most active region on Earth in terms of tropical cyclone activity, which has significant impacts on both human lives and the economy. Research shows that the Pacific Decadal Oscillation plays a key role in modulating the number of tropical cyclone days in the North Pacific Ocean by influencing sea surface temperature. The insights gained from this study will contribute to a better understanding of the climate processes behind these storms and provide valuable information for long-term preparation and adaptation efforts.