Sensitivity of the South Atlantic Ocean and Climate to Antarctic Sea-Ice Concentration

University Of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles CA

Investigators

Abstract

This project will build on prior work to understand the interaction between Antarctic sea-ice and South Atlantic ocean and atmosphere circulation, and the impact this may have on the climates of Africa and South America. Emphasis will be places on interannual and interdecadal timescales of interaction. Sea ice data from the Special Sensor Microwave/Imager instrument will be employed will be used, supplemented by surface and mid-tropospheric observations. A coupled dynamic ocean atmosphere global climate model will facilitate sensitivity studies to explore the causality of oceanic and atmospheric processes on sea ice extent. This project explores a topic of importance in climate studies. It promotes the role of women in science and fosters an international collaboration. Two graduate students will be involved in this project. Results arising from this research will be disseminated to the community via publications in internationally recognized scientific journals and at scientific conferences.