Dong, S., Volkov, D. L., Goni, G., Pujiana, K., Tagklis, F., & Baringer, M. (2022). Remote Impact of the Equatorial Pacific on Florida Current Transport. Geophysical Research Letters, e2021GL096944.
Using in-situ and satellite observations, this study is the first to demonstrate that ENSO temperature anomalies in the equatorial Pacific force Florida Current transport (FCT) anomalies 3 months later. The connection between FCT and ENSO is through ENSO’s impact on sea level on the eastern side of the Florida Straits, which is associated with anomalous oceanic convergence/divergence in the Caribbean region and the Bahamas forced by ENSO-induced wind stress curl changes. This established relationship gives some predictability of the Florida Current transport and coastal sea level changes with a 3-month lead time, which can benefit coastal communities, particularly during strong El Niño and La Niña events.