The Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

2027 Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

January 12-15, 2027

Coral Records of Multi-Phase Migration of the South Pacific Convergence Zone Since 1147 CE
ID:436 Poster Presentation

2027-01-15 19:15 (China Standard Time)

Session:Session 50 - Indo-Pacific Ocean Dynamics and Tropical Climate

Abstract
The South Pacific Convergence Zone (SPCZ) is the dominant precipitation band in the Southern Hemisphere, and variations in its position strongly influence precipitation, tropical cyclones, sea level, and extreme climate events. However, centennial-scale changes in the SPCZ remain poorly understood due to limited instrumental data. Coral oxygen isotope compositions (δ¹⁸O) are ideal proxies for studying the SPCZ, as they sensitively record sea surface temperature and precipitation signals associated with SPCZ shifts. Here, we reconstruct the SPCZ position from 1147 to 2005 CE using monthly resolved coral δ¹⁸O data. Our results reveal strong interannual and decadal variability, primarily modulated by the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO). On centennial timescales, the SPCZ exhibits multi-phase migration, driven by a weakened zonal sea surface temperature gradient. This study highlights the value of coral proxies for long-term SPCZ research and provides a foundation for further investigations into its spatiotemporal evolution and forcing mechanisms.
 
Speaker
Weichao Zhang Shandong University of Science and Technology / Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Author
Weichao Zhang Shandong University of Science and Technology / Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences

    Important Dates

    • Jan 30

      2026

      Session / Event proposals open

    • Mar 31

      2026

      Session / Event proposals close
      (Extended to April 7)

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Session acceptance notifications

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions & registration open

    • Jun 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions close
      (Extended to July 21)

    • Aug 31

      2026

      Abstract acceptance notifications

    • Sep 15

      2026

      Scientific program released

    • Oct 15

      2026

      Early bird registration closes

    • Jan 12–15

      2027

      XMAS 2027