P2C2: Synchronization of the Polar Regions and the Origin of the Bipolar Seesaw

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill NC

Investigators

Abstract

This research supports the examination of the coupling and synchronization of polar climate oscillations. The researcher postulates that each polar region behaves as a self-sustained relaxation oscillator with its own natural frequency and nonlinear feedbacks influencing each other through dissipative coupling proportional to the temperature and heat storage gradients between North and South Atlantic Ocean and atmosphere. The researcher will examine polar synchronization and the possible connection to Heinrich events. The broader impacts of the research include the support of a doctoral student and the participation of undergraduate students in the research project