Timmermann, Axel and Goosse, H. (2003) Is the windstress essential for the global meridional overturning circulation. Geophysical Research Letters, 31 (L04303). DOI 10.1029/2003GL018777.

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Abstract

We use a global coupled atmosphere-ocean sea-ice model of intermediate complexity to demonstrate that wind-forcing is a crucial element to sustain meridional overturning flow in the Atlantic. Neglecting wind-stress in our multi-century-long simulations leads to a complete shutdown of the conveyor belt circulation. This result may have tremendous impacts for an assessment of the sensitivity of 2-d climate models which typically do not capture wind-driven gyres. It is argued that wind effects may be a key element in determining the fate and length of a collapsed THC state. Possible paleo implications will be discussed.

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