SPATIAL CORRELATIONS OF INTERDECADAL VARIATION IN GLOBAL SURFACE TEMPERATURES

We have analyzed spatial correlation patterns of interdecadal global s urface temperature variability from an empirical perspective. Using mu lti-taper coherence estimates from 140-yr records, we find that correl ations between hemispheres are significant at greater than or similar to 95% confidence for non-randomness for most of the frequency band 0. 06 < f < 0.24 cyc/yr. Coherence estimates of pairs of 100-yr grid-poin t temperature data series near 5-yr period reveal teleconnection patte rns consistent with known patterns of ENSO variability. Significant co rrelated variability is observed near 15 year period, with the dominan t teleconnection pattern largely confined to the Northern Hemisphere. Peak-to-peak DELTAT almost-equal-to 0.5-degrees, with simultaneous war ming and cooling of discrete patches on the earth's surface. A global average of this pattern would largely cancel.