This research builds upon and greatly expands studies of the long-period evolution of the atmosphere-ocean system and its relationship to short period climate variability of surface variables (e.g., temperature, precipitation and wind) over North America. Besides improving understanding of the interactions within this complex system, the ultimate goal is to develop improved tools for predicting the circulation and climate over extended periods. In particular, this study will involve the low frequency (seasonal-to-decadal) variability of macro-scale features of the SST field and its relationship to the Northern Hemisphere atmospheric general circulation, surface temperature and precipitation over North America. The approach taken will be primarily empirical (synoptic and statistical), involving conceptual physics and employing atmospheric and oceanic fields. Finally, the possibility that the occurrence of earthquakes is conditioned by persistently recurrent atmospheric pressure systems will be investigated. Although this topic is bound to be controversial, preliminary evidence suggests a link between the large-scale configuration of monthly and seasonal atmospheric pressure anomalies and earthquakes in Southern California. The importance of this research is that if successful, it will lead to improved climate prediction on short (monthly to decadal) time scales.
