Nonlinear development of salinity perturbations in the Atlantic thermohaline circulation(THC) is investigated with a three-dimensional ocean circulation model,using the conditional nonlinear optimal perturbation metho...Nonlinear development of salinity perturbations in the Atlantic thermohaline circulation(THC) is investigated with a three-dimensional ocean circulation model,using the conditional nonlinear optimal perturbation method.The results show two types of optimal initial perturbations of sea surface salinity,one associated with freshwater and the other with salinity.Both types of perturbations excite decadal variability of the THC.Under the same amplitude of initial perturbation,the decadal variation induced by the freshwater perturbation is much stronger than that by the salinity perturbation,suggesting that the THC is more sensitive to freshwater than salinity perturbation.As the amplitude of initial perturbation increases,the decadal variations become stronger for both perturbations.For salinity perturbations,recovery time of the THC to return to steady state gradually saturates with increasing amplitude,whereas this recovery time increases remarkably for freshwater perturbations.A nonlinear(advective) feedback between density and velocity anomalies is proposed to explain these characteristics of decadal variability excitation.The results are consistent with previous ones from simple box models,and highlight the importance of nonlinear feedback in decadal THC variability.展开更多
The subpolar gyre index (SPG), derived from the analysis of sea surface height (SSH), is proposed to be a potential indicator for the North Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) based on observation as we...The subpolar gyre index (SPG), derived from the analysis of sea surface height (SSH), is proposed to be a potential indicator for the North Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) based on observation as well as the Ocean General Circulation Model (OGCM). We investigated the correspondence between the SPG and the AMOC in a coupled climate model. Our results confirm that the SPG can be used as an early indicator for the AMOC in the subtropical North Atlantic. Changes in the SPG are closely related to variations in the air-sea heat exchange in the Labrador Sea, and variations in deep water formation and southward dense water transport with the deep western boundary current (DWBC) in the North Atlantic.展开更多
Effects of extratropical solar penetration on the North Atlantic Ocean circulation and climate are investigated using a coupled ocean-atmosphere model.In this model,solar penetration generates basinwide cooling and wa...Effects of extratropical solar penetration on the North Atlantic Ocean circulation and climate are investigated using a coupled ocean-atmosphere model.In this model,solar penetration generates basinwide cooling and warming in summer and winter,respectively.Associated with SST changes,annual mean surface wind stress is intensified in both the subtropical and subpolar North Atlantic,which leads to acceleration of both subtropical and subpolar gyres.Owing to warming in the subtropics and significant saltiness in the subpolar region,potential density decreases(increases) in the subtropical(subpolar)North Atlantic.The north-south meridional density gradient is thereby enlarged,accelerating the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation(AMOC).In addition,solar penetration reduces stratification in the upper ocean and favors stronger vertical convection,which also contributes to acceleration of the AMOC.展开更多
基金Supported by the National Basic Research Program of China(973 Program)(No.2012CB417404)
文摘Nonlinear development of salinity perturbations in the Atlantic thermohaline circulation(THC) is investigated with a three-dimensional ocean circulation model,using the conditional nonlinear optimal perturbation method.The results show two types of optimal initial perturbations of sea surface salinity,one associated with freshwater and the other with salinity.Both types of perturbations excite decadal variability of the THC.Under the same amplitude of initial perturbation,the decadal variation induced by the freshwater perturbation is much stronger than that by the salinity perturbation,suggesting that the THC is more sensitive to freshwater than salinity perturbation.As the amplitude of initial perturbation increases,the decadal variations become stronger for both perturbations.For salinity perturbations,recovery time of the THC to return to steady state gradually saturates with increasing amplitude,whereas this recovery time increases remarkably for freshwater perturbations.A nonlinear(advective) feedback between density and velocity anomalies is proposed to explain these characteristics of decadal variability excitation.The results are consistent with previous ones from simple box models,and highlight the importance of nonlinear feedback in decadal THC variability.
基金supported by Yongqi Gao's 100-Talent Program financed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)the CAS Project "IAP OGCM Improvement and Coupling to AGCM and Ocean Carbon Cycle" (KZCX2-YW-218)the EU Project Dragoness (SSA5-CT-2006-030902)
文摘The subpolar gyre index (SPG), derived from the analysis of sea surface height (SSH), is proposed to be a potential indicator for the North Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) based on observation as well as the Ocean General Circulation Model (OGCM). We investigated the correspondence between the SPG and the AMOC in a coupled climate model. Our results confirm that the SPG can be used as an early indicator for the AMOC in the subtropical North Atlantic. Changes in the SPG are closely related to variations in the air-sea heat exchange in the Labrador Sea, and variations in deep water formation and southward dense water transport with the deep western boundary current (DWBC) in the North Atlantic.
基金Supported by the Key Project of National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.41130859)the Innovation Team Project(No.40921004)
文摘Effects of extratropical solar penetration on the North Atlantic Ocean circulation and climate are investigated using a coupled ocean-atmosphere model.In this model,solar penetration generates basinwide cooling and warming in summer and winter,respectively.Associated with SST changes,annual mean surface wind stress is intensified in both the subtropical and subpolar North Atlantic,which leads to acceleration of both subtropical and subpolar gyres.Owing to warming in the subtropics and significant saltiness in the subpolar region,potential density decreases(increases) in the subtropical(subpolar)North Atlantic.The north-south meridional density gradient is thereby enlarged,accelerating the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation(AMOC).In addition,solar penetration reduces stratification in the upper ocean and favors stronger vertical convection,which also contributes to acceleration of the AMOC.