Revisiting AMOC Transport Estimates From Observations and Models

Danabasoglu, Gokhan; Castruccio, Frederic S.; Small, R. Justin; Tomas, Robert; Frajka‐Williams, Eleanor; Lankhorst, Matthias

doi:10.1029/2021GL093045

Title: Revisiting AMOC Transport Estimates From Observations and Models

Journal Article · 21 May 2021 · Geophysical Research Letters

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1029/2021GL093045 · OSTI ID:1786759

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Climate and Global Dynamics Laboratory National Center for Atmospheric Research Boulder CO USA, International Laboratory for High‐Resolution Earth System Prediction Texas A&,M University College Station TX USA
Climate and Global Dynamics Laboratory National Center for Atmospheric Research Boulder CO USA
Ocean and Earth Science University of Southampton Southampton UK
Scripps Institution of Oceanography University of California San Diego La Jolla CA USA

Abstract Reference level assumptions used to calculate the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation transports at the RAPID and Meridional Overturning Variability Experiment (MOVE) observing arrays are revisited in an eddying ocean model. Observational transport calculation methods are complemented by several alternative approaches. At RAPID, the model transports from the observational method and the model truth (based on the actual model velocities) agree well in their mean and variability. There are substantial differences among the transport estimates obtained with various methods at the MOVE site. These differences result from relatively large and time‐varying reference velocities at depth in the model, not supporting a level‐of‐no‐motion. The methods that account for these reference velocities properly at MOVE produce transports that are in good agreement with the model truth. In contrast with the observational estimates, the model transport trends at MOVE and RAPID largely agree with each other on pentadal to multi‐decadal time scales.

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Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE

OSTI ID:: 1786759

Journal Information:: Geophysical Research Letters, Journal Name: Geophysical Research Letters Journal Issue: 10 Vol. 48; ISSN 0094-8276

Publisher:: American Geophysical Union (AGU)Copyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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