Luni-solar tidal influences on climate variability

Abstract

A possible exogenous cause of some terrestrial climate variability on time scales of 1 to 100 years is examined. Luni-solar effects, and especially the coincidences of New Moon with small perigee distance, produce important tidal perturbations. These influences have been resolved in two orthogonal directions, and the variability in the southern oscillation and sea-surface temperature anomalies may be at least partly understandable as a reflection of these tidal components. The correlation between tidal components and these climate factors is significant. The predictability of tidal effects may make a contribution to improving the accuracy and lead time of climate forecasting. Copyright © 2002 Royal Meteorological Society.