Impact of Ekman Pumping on the Meridional Coherence of the AMOC

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Abstract

The effect of wind-induced vertical velocity on the meridional coherence of Atlantic meridional overtuning circulation (AMOC) is examined using theory, observations, and a numerical model. Two cases are considered: (a) the AMOC computed in depth coordinates and (b) the AMOC computed in isopycnal coordinates. In depth space, the difference between the AMOC at different latitudes is largely explained by vertical transport across the (Formula presented.) depth surface induced by Ekman pumping. In density space, this difference is explained by Ekman-driven heave of the neutral surface separating the upper and lower limbs. This adiabatic “sloshing” changes the relative volumes of the upper and lower AMOC limbs, obscuring the distribution and advection of the diapycnal transports which characterize the AMOC.
Original languageEnglish
Article numbere2024GL108846
Number of pages9
JournalGeophysical Research Letters
Volume52
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 16 Jan 2025

Keywords

  • AMOC
  • Atlantic
  • climate
  • continuity
  • OSNAP
  • RAPID
  • Atlantic Ocean
  • Atlantic meridional overturning circulation
  • Ekman pumping
  • Isopycnal coordinates
  • vertical transports
  • vertical velocity
  • advection
  • climate conditions
  • density
  • heave
  • meridional circulation
  • numerical model
  • Miocene

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