Modes of Climate Variability in the Atlantic Sector. The figure on the right shows the path and strength of winter storms depending on the sign of the NAO; the location of tropical rainfal (determined by the ITCZ); and the transport of the ocean currents (MOC). Blue arrows:cold, deep currents; red arrows:warm surface currents (source: M. Visbeck, 2002; Science 297, 2223-2224).

The Terms of Reference of the Atlantic Region Panel are:

1. Identify major emerging scientific issues related to research in Atlantic climate variability, climate change and climate predictability and foster research initiatives in Atlantic climate studies.
2. Define the tools required to assess and understand climate variability, climate change and climate predictability of the ocean-atmosphere system within the Atlantic sector.
3. Design a strategy to implement these methods, spanning observations, models, experiments and process studies.
4. Provide scientific and technical input into the implementation in collaboration, if required and instrumental, with other CLIVAR panels and relevant programs
5. Monitor and evaluate progress of the implementation
6. Promote and enhance interactions among atmospheric sciences, oceanography, biogeochemistry and paleoclimate communities to further advance interdisciplinary Atlantic climate studies.
7. Serve as a forum for the discussion and communication of scientific advances in the understanding of climate variability, predictability and change in the Atlantic region.
8. Work with relevant agencies on the distribution and archiving of Atlantic Ocean observations.
9. Respond to needs from stakeholders and facilitate the transfer of knowledge of science and applications with respect to Atlantic climate variability and predictability issues.
10. Advise and report to the CLIVAR SSG on progress, achievements, new frontiers and impediments.