NAO-induced spatial variations of total ozone column over Europe at near-synoptic time scale

The variations of total ozone column over Europe at the multiyear time scale have earlier been characterised by the changes in the phase of North Atlantic Oscillation. Spatial patterns over Europe in total ozone column response to weather pattern changes associated with the North Atlantic Oscillation are investigated here using the cross-wavelet transform. The average cross-wavelet powers and local relative phases are calculated. It is shown that near a centre of action associated with the NAO the changes of total ozone column are maximal and become apparent immediately after the changes in the weather pattern.