The role of North Pacific teleconnection in the sea level change of the Canadian Basin

This study utilizes sea surface height (SSH) measurements from the CryoSat-2 satellite mission (2011–2020) to demonstrate the significant influence of the North Pacific Oscillation (NPO) on linking Pacific Ocean dynamics with sea level variability in the Canadian Basin. Results reveal a pronounced positive correlation between JJA NPO phases and SSH anomalies (SSHAs) in the Canadian Basin. During positive NPO phases, anomalous anticyclonic circulation intensifies over the Arctic, strengthening the Beaufort High. This atmospheric forcing drives enhanced freshwater transport from the Bering Sea to the Canadian Basin via the Bering Strait, thereby elevating local SSHAs. To extend the analysis beyond the observational period, the Community Earth System Model Version 2 Large Ensemble (CESM2-LE) is employed to simulate this North Pacific teleconnection mechanism driving Canadian Basin sea level variability from 1960 to 2100. The CESM2-LE results corroborate the positive NPO–SSHA relationship during 2011–2020. North Pacific pre-winter SST anomalies constitute a robust precursor for summer Canadian Basin SSH variability. These findings underscore a critical teleconnection pathway through which North Pacific SST variability modulates Arctic sea levels—a mechanism essential for refining future climate projections and regional sea level risk assessments.