Global Circulation Variability Induced by Southern Ocean Winds

George Mason University, Fairfax VA

Investigators

Abstract

ABSTRACT OCE-0241916 Recent studies have implied that winds over the Southern Ocean can influence ocean circulation far away from the Southern Ocean itself. In particular, the deep meridional overturning circulation may be driven by windstress over the Southern Ocean. This circulation is thought to influence global climate through the transport of heat. This study will examine how interannual variations of the winds over the Southern Oceans may drive significant variability in the global ocean circulation. The project will use numerical and analytical models to consider how changes in wind intensity, or the latitude of the maximum winds causes changes in the circulation. The variability of the deep meridional overturning circulation has important consequences for the variability of climate. Understanding the causes of this variability will have important implications for climate prediction. This study has direct relevance to the goals of the Climate Variability program.