Oceanic responses to gradual transitions of equator-to-pole temperature gradients
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Authors
Cai, W.J.
Chu, Peter C.
Subjects
Thermohaline circulation, Climate changes, Multiple equilibrium, Interdecadal oscillations, Thermohaline
Advisors
Date of Issue
1998
Date
1998
Publisher
Language
Abstract
Responses of an ocean model to gradual transitions of equator-to-pole gradients show that several quasi-
equilibrium states within the thermally driven regime are generated under identical forcing conditions. These
different states are associated with different patterns (the location and the penetration depth) of oceanic convection.
Small changes in the thermal forcing conditions can push the system into an oscillatory regime. Once in this regime,
oscillations appear to proceed as internal processes. One important implication of these results is that the present-
day ocean climate may not recover fully if the atmospheric COz level, after doubling, is lowered to the present-day
level.
Type
Article
Description
Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society
Series/Report No
Department
Oceanography
Organization
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NPS Report Number
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Funding
Format
Citation
Cai, W.J., and P.C. Chu, 1998: Oceanic responses to gradual transitions of equator-to-pole temperature gradients (paper download). Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society, 124, 2817-2828.
Distribution Statement
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.