A robust mode of the winter oceanic mixed layer depth in the North Pacific

Based on a modified mixed layer depth (MLD) calculation method and ocean reanalysis datasets, the second leading empirical orthogonal function (EOF) mode (EOF-2) of North Pacific winter MLD anomalies is investigated, which shows robust spatial pattern in three datasets with opposite phases Kuroshio Extension region central east region. The results presented this study are from SODA 2.2.4. explained variance EOF-2 comparable to EOF (EOF-1). We reveal that interannual time scale, corresponding Principal Components (PC-2) significantly correlated Niño 3.4 Index dynamically driven by entrainment processes, linked surface heat fluxes wind velocity induced ENSO through atmospheric bridge processes. On decadal scales, primarily modulated variability stress curl net flux, but influence flux only limited