Work

Mean‐State and Seasonal Variability in Temperature Structure and Heat Transport in the East Australian Current System From a Multi‐Decadal Regional Ocean Model

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Western Boundary Currents (WBCs) such as the East Australian Current (EAC) are vital for moving heat from low to high latitudes, controlling regional weather and global climate. Previous EAC System studies have provided a general overview of temperature variability and heat transport, but they lacked spatial and seasonal detail. Using a high‐resolution, 26‐year‐long ocean model simulation, we systematically characterize the seasonal variability and structure in key temperature metrics and heat transport in the EAC System. Our findings reveal a clear seasonal cycle with a poleward expansion of key variables in summer (mean and eddy kinetic energy, upper ocean heat content, heat transport) and contraction equatorward with reductions in winter. We show that the dynamical regime transition, from jet to eddy‐dominated at the EAC separation zone (S), modifies the net meridional heat transport. Upstream of separation, transport is poleward, with some zonal input of heat. Downstream of EAC separation, there is an increase in heat recirculation by mesoscale eddies combined with a smaller zonal export of heat. This study highlights the significance of resolving spatio‐temporal variability in WBC systems driven by mesoscale dynamics, which will have implications for the representation of critical dynamics in future climate models.

Source: Journal of Geophysical Research Oceans

DOI: 10.1029/2023jc020438

Authors: Fernando Sobral, Moninya Roughan, Neil Malan, Junde Li

Institution: UNSW Sydney

Language: English

Topic: Oceanographic and Atmospheric Processes

Subfield: Oceanography

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Climate action

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,880