Air-sea interaction described by bilayer networks

TL;DR

This paper introduces bilayer networks to analyze coupled air-sea systems, revealing key regions and interactions, and proposing mechanisms like the influence of Asian monsoon and Walker circulation, demonstrating the power of network theory in climate studies.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel bilayer network framework for studying coupled air-sea interactions, uncovering key regions and mechanisms in climate dynamics.

Findings

Identified key correlation regions within and between air-sea systems.

Proposed a coupled mechanism linking Asian monsoon and Walker circulation.

Uncovered known and novel features of air-sea interactions.

Abstract

We introduce bilayer networks in this paper to study the coupled air-sea systems. It proved true that the framework of bilayer networks is powerful for studying the statistical topology structure and dynamics between the fields of ocean and atmosphere. Based on bilayer network, we identify the key correlation regions within and between the air-sea systems. A coupled mechanism between Asia monsoon circulation and Walker circulation is proposed to explain the high correlation phenomenon between the regions on air-sea interaction. We also identify the key regions, which influence the air-sea systems more strongly. The new framework uncovers already known as well other novel features of the air-sea systems and general circulation. It is fruitful to apply the complex networks theory and methodology to understand the complex interactions between the ocean and the atmosphere.