Mesoscale eddies inhibit intensification of the Subantarctic Front under global warming
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Oceanic mesoscale eddies are important dynamical processes in the Southern Ocean. Using high-resolution (∼0.1° for the ocean) Community Earth System Model (CESM-HR) simulations under a high-carbon emission scenario, we investigate the role of mesoscale eddies in regulating the response of the Subantarctic Front (SAF) to global warming. The CESM-HR simulates more realistic oceanic fronts and mesoscale eddies in the Southern Ocean than a coarse-resolution (∼1° for the ocean) CESM. Under global warming, the SAF is projected to intensify. The mean flow temperature advection intensifies the front, whereas the mesoscale-eddy-induced temperature advection and atmospheric dampening play primary (∼67%) and secondary (∼28%) roles in counteracting the effect of mean flow temperature advection. Our study suggests the importance of mesoscale eddies on inhibiting the SAF intensification under global warming and necessity of mesoscale-eddy-resolving simulations for faithful projection of future climate changes in the Southern Ocean.
Source: Environmental Research Letters
Authors: Dapeng Li, Zhao Jing, Wenju Cai, Zhengguang Zhang, Jiuxin Shi, Xiaohui Ma, Bolan Gan, Haiyuan Yang, Zhaohui Chen, Lixin Wu
Institutions: Ocean University of China, Laoshan Laboratory
Language: English
Subfield: Oceanography
Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,820
Award: G1156280105
OpenAlex ID: W4403013752