Chapter 3

SCIENTIFIC OBJECTIVES




In order to test the thermostat hypothesis discussed in the previous chapter, all radiative and heating terms and state parameters of the ocean-atmosphere system that enter into the hypothesis must be measured as a function of SST over the equatorial ocean. The CEPEX domain spans a region of significant SST gradients, from the western Pacific with its very warm SSTs to the relatively cooler central Pacific.

The primary experiment objectives of CEPEX are to: As will be discussed in Chapter 4, a complete examination of the thermostat mechanism must include studies with coupled ocean-atmosphere radiative-convective equilibrium models. Carrying out these studies will require additional information, which is encompassed by the following supporting objectives:

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