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Abstract

We analyze solutions to the stochastic skeleton model, a minimal non-linear oscillator model for the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO). This model has been recognized for its ability to reproduce several large-scale features of the MJO. In previous studies, the model's forcings were predominantly chosen to be mathematically simple and time-independent. Here, we present solutions to the model with time-dependent observation-based forcing functions. Our results show that the model, with these more realistic forcing functions, successfully replicates key characteristics of MJO events, such as their lifetime, extent, and amplitude, whose statistics agree well with observations. However, we find that the seasonality of MJO events and the spatial variations in the MJO properties are not well reproduced. Having implemented the model in the presence of time-dependent forcings, we can analyze the impact of temporal variability at different timescales. In particular, we study the model's ability to reflect changes in MJO characteristics under the different phases of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). We find that it does not capture significant differences in the studied characteristics of MJO events in response to differences in conditions during El Niño, La Niña, and neutral ENSO.