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How Is Meridional Coherence Maintained in the Lower Limb of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation?

Publication ,  Journal Article
Zou, S; Lozier, MS; Buckley, M
Published in: Geophysical Research Letters
January 16, 2019

Despite a strong focus on latitudinal continuity of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) variability, transport continuity in different layers that constitute the AMOC lower limb has received considerably less attention. In this study, we investigate the transport connectivity of Upper North Atlantic Deep Water (UNADW) and Lower NADW (LNADW), with both defined by density. Using two ocean circulation models and an ocean reanalysis, we find that subpolar-originated transport anomalies, particularly for UNADW, do not propagate to the subtropics over a period of five decades. We also find that transports in both layers are linked to AMOC at subpolar latitudes, yet only LNADW transport shows linkage to AMOC in the subtropical gyre. Thus, latitudinal AMOC continuity is likely unrelated to transport continuity in any single layer, but rather a result of connection between subpolar-AMOC and subtropical-LNADW transport. An exception to this generalization is possible with strong LNADW transport events.

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Published In

Geophysical Research Letters

DOI

EISSN

1944-8007

ISSN

0094-8276

Publication Date

January 16, 2019

Volume

46

Issue

1

Start / End Page

244 / 252

Related Subject Headings

  • Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
 

Citation

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Zou, S., Lozier, M. S., & Buckley, M. (2019). How Is Meridional Coherence Maintained in the Lower Limb of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation? Geophysical Research Letters, 46(1), 244–252. https://doi.org/10.1029/2018GL080958
Zou, S., M. S. Lozier, and M. Buckley. “How Is Meridional Coherence Maintained in the Lower Limb of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation?Geophysical Research Letters 46, no. 1 (January 16, 2019): 244–52. https://doi.org/10.1029/2018GL080958.
Zou S, Lozier MS, Buckley M. How Is Meridional Coherence Maintained in the Lower Limb of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation? Geophysical Research Letters. 2019 Jan 16;46(1):244–52.
Zou, S., et al. “How Is Meridional Coherence Maintained in the Lower Limb of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation?Geophysical Research Letters, vol. 46, no. 1, Jan. 2019, pp. 244–52. Scopus, doi:10.1029/2018GL080958.
Zou S, Lozier MS, Buckley M. How Is Meridional Coherence Maintained in the Lower Limb of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation? Geophysical Research Letters. 2019 Jan 16;46(1):244–252.
Journal cover image

Published In

Geophysical Research Letters

DOI

EISSN

1944-8007

ISSN

0094-8276

Publication Date

January 16, 2019

Volume

46

Issue

1

Start / End Page

244 / 252

Related Subject Headings

  • Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences