Agulhas leakage dynamics affects decadal variability in Atlantic overturning circulation.

Biastoch, Arne , Böning, Claus W. and Lutjeharms, J. R. E. (2008) Agulhas leakage dynamics affects decadal variability in Atlantic overturning circulation. Nature, 456 . pp. 489-492. DOI 10.1038/nature07426.

[thumbnail of nature07426.pdf] Text
nature07426.pdf - Published Version
Restricted to Registered users only

Download (2MB) | Contact

Supplementary data:

Abstract

Predicting the evolution of climate over decadal timescales requires a quantitative understanding of the dynamics that govern the meridional overturning circulation (MOC)1. Comprehensive ocean measurement programmes aiming to monitor MOC variations have been established in the subtropical North Atlantic2, 3 (RAPID, at latitude 26.5° N, and MOVE, at latitude 16° N) and show strong variability on intraseasonal to interannual timescales. Observational evidence of longer-term changes in MOC transport remains scarce, owing to infrequent sampling of transoceanic sections over past decades4, 5. Inferences based on long-term sea surface temperature records, however, supported by model simulations, suggest a variability with an amplitude of plusminus1.5–3 Sv (1 Sv = 106 m3 s-1) on decadal timescales in the subtropics6. Such variability has been attributed to variations of deep water formation in the sub-arctic Atlantic, particularly the renewal rate of Labrador Sea Water7. Here we present results from a model simulation that suggest an additional influence on decadal MOC variability having a Southern Hemisphere origin: dynamic signals originating in the Agulhas leakage region at the southern tip of Africa. These contribute a MOC signal in the tropical and subtropical North Atlantic that is of the same order of magnitude as the northern source. A complete rationalization of observed MOC changes therefore also requires consideration of signals arriving from the south.

Document Type: Article
Research affiliation: OceanRep > The Future Ocean - Cluster of Excellence
OceanRep > GEOMAR > FB1 Ocean Circulation and Climate Dynamics > FB1-TM Theory and Modeling
Refereed: Yes
Open Access Journal?: No
Publisher: Nature Publishing Group
Projects: Future Ocean
Expeditions/Models/Experiments:
Date Deposited: 03 Dec 2008 16:50
Last Modified: 23 Sep 2019 18:43
URI: https://oceanrep.geomar.de/id/eprint/8189

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item