An Indicator of the Multiple Equilibria Regime of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation

作者：Huisman Selma E; den Toom Matthijs; Dijkstra Henk A^*; Drijfhout Sybren

来源：Journal of Physical Oceanography, 2010, 40(3): 551-567.

DOI：10.1175/2009JPO4215.1

Recent model results have suggested that there may be a scalar indicator Sigma monitoring whether the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (MOC) is in a multiple equilibrium regime. The quantity Sigma, is based on the net freshwater transport by the MOC into the Atlantic basin. It changes sign as soon as the steady Atlantic MOC enters the multiple equilibrium regime because of an increased freshwater input in the northern North Atlantic. This paper addresses the issue of why the sign of Sigma is such a good indicator for the multiple equilibrium regime. Changes in the Atlantic freshwater budget over a complete bifurcation diagram and in finite amplitude perturbation experiments are analyzed in a global ocean circulation model. The authors show that the net anomalous freshwater transport into or out of the Atlantic, resulting from the interactions of the velocity perturbations and salinity background field, is coupled to the background (steady state) state freshwater budget and hence to Sigma. The sign of Sigma precisely shows whether this net anomalous freshwater transport is stabilizing or destabilizing the MOC. Therefore, it can indicate whether the MOC is in a single or multiple equilibrium regime.

• 出版日期2010-3