North Atlantic Oscillation
The North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) is a large scale seesaw in atmospheric mass between the subtropical high and the polar low. This is usually expressed as the normalised pressure difference between Iceland in the north, and the Azores, Lisbon or Gibraltar in the south. The corresponding index varies from year to year, but also exhibits a tendency to remain in one phase for intervals lasting several years. The NAO is the dominant mode of winter climate variability in the North Atlantic region ranging from central North America to Europe and into Northern Asia.
Here are some sites which give an introduction to the North Atlantic Oscillation and give links to more detailed information:
- The North Atlantic Oscillation Thematic Website by David B. Stephenson
- Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory NAO page
- NAO information from the Climatic Research Unit, University of East Anglia
Professor Peter Kettlewell
Professor of Crop Physiology and Research Co-ordinator
Office: Jubilee Adams G07
Email: Click here to contact Peter Kettlewell
Telephone: +44 (0)1952 815299
Fax: +44 (0)1952 814783
