Fig. 2: The composite SST (K) pattern between P2 (1999–2013) and P1 (1979–1998).

a ERSST v5. b Sum of (e)–(h). c sum of (e)–(g). d Sum of (e, f). e CESM-LE ensemble mean (CESM-EM), indicative of external forcing. f Pacific pacemaker ensemble mean (Pac-EM) minus CESM-EM, indicative of internal variability due to the Pacific SST changes. g Atlantic pacemaker ensemble mean (Atl-EM) minus CESM-EM, indicative of internal variability due to the Atlantic SST changes. h Indian pacemaker ensemble mean (Ind-EM) minus CESM-EM, indicative of internal variability due to the Indian Ocean SST changes. The dots indicate that anomalies are significant at a confidence level of 95%.