Arctic Oscillation - induced variability in satellite-derived tropospheric ozone

The Arctic Oscillation (AO) has been identified as the dominant mode of near-surface climate variability in the Northern Hemisphere. In this study, we examine the interaction between the AO and the distribution of tropospheric ozone derived from satellite observations. Our analysis shows that there is a statistically significant correlation between the AO and the springtime tropospheric ozone distribution over the northeastern Atlantic, but not over the Pacific. This finding is consistent with our understanding of the differing effect that the AO has on the Atlantic versus Pacific basins and the strong influence that the El Nino phenomenon has in the Pacific. The insight gained from this study will contribute to the growing use of teleconnections as a forecast tool, providing insight into the interaction between prevailing meteorological conditions and the formation of significant pollution events.