Chapter I Intro & Objectives - SPREP

PHOENIX ISLANDS PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN
Chapter III. Background, 1. Physical Setting of the Islands
Draft 1 March 2007
Mock (1981) reviewed the history of the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI). In early studies
by Bjerknes (1969 and 1972; see also Mock 1981), Abariringa (Canton) was identified as a
focal point of SOI activities. Bjerknes (1969) noted that the warming of the surrounding sea
surface temperature around Abariringa (Canton) above ambient air temperature correlated
with excessive rainfall. During this period, the northeast trades and mid-latitude westerlies
were strong compared with the very weak equatorial easterlies. Bjerknes (1972) also
examined winds and sea surface temperatures for Abariringa (Canton) between 1962 to 1967.
There was good correlation between the slackening of the equatorial easterlies and the
warming of the surface waters.
Fairbanks et al (1997) reported that Abariringa (Kanton) was located nearest to the maximum
thermal signal associated with the El Niño/La Niña phenomena. It experienced both the sea
surface temperature and precipitation effects of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO).
Fairbanks et al (1997) suggested that Abariringa (Kanton) be included in the network to
monitor for the ENSO. Fairbanks (1997) noted that Abariringa (Kanton) was in the middle of
an area of the central Pacific with sea surface temperature anomalies of more than 3 0 C.
Climate Research Committee (1995) investigated the decade-to-century time scale in terms of
bio-chemical-physical systems. As part of that study, the El Niño Southern Oscillation
(ENSO) was reviewed. The two main phases of ENSO were diagrammed (including
Abariringa (Kanton) see Figure III-1.42 below).
Figure III-1.42. Equatorial Pacific showing major features of the warm and cool
Phase of ENSO in relationship to sites where coral paleoclimatic reconstruction of
ENSO were being studied: Bali, Wulawesi, Tarawa,
Abaririrnga (Kanton), and the Galapagos.
(source: Climate Research Committee 1995, after Cole 1992).
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