The Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

2027 Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

January 12-15, 2027

Meridional coherence of non-Ekman transport in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation across subtropical latitudes at the seasonal timescale
ID:1225 Poster Presentation

2027-01-15 17:30 (China Standard Time)

Session:Session 62 - Variability of the Atlantic Ocean: past, present and future

Abstract
Previous studies have examined seasonal variations in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) at fixed latitudes, whereas its seasonal latitudinal co-variability and underlying mechanisms remain less understood. Using two data-assimilated products, this study investigates seasonal AMOC variations across subtropical latitudes by decomposing its upper limb transport into Ekman transport, driven directly by zonal wind stress, and non-Ekman transport, primarily arising from geostrophic flow. We find that seasonal variations in non-Ekman transport exhibit significant meridional coherence, which is linked to the geostrophic transport estimated from the pressure differences between the eastern and western boundaries. Sea surface height and density variations drive the pressure differences through barotropic and baroclinic adjustment, with stronger control from the eastern boundary. The contribution from ocean bottom pressure (sea surface height with steric height removed) represents a fast barotropic adjustment to seasonal pressure variations and explains about 75% of the variance in geostrophic transport. In contrast, the density-driven seasonal pressure variations propagate more slowly along the eastern boundary compared with the western boundary, indicating baroclinic adjustment. Seasonal pressure variations along the eastern boundary are influenced by both remotely propagated signals from the western boundary via wave adjustment and by local processes along the propagation pathway. Results from this study highlight the importance of examining the latitudinal connectivity of AMOC through analyses of its distinct dynamical components, and emphasize the role of fast-propagating waves in modulating seasonal variability in non-Ekman transport. Our study further suggests that understanding boundary processes, particularly ocean bottom pressure, may be a key aspect of investigating AMOC variability.
Speaker
Yujia Zhai Ocean University of China

Author
Yujia Zhai Ocean University of China

    Important Dates

    • Jan 30

      2026

      Session / Event proposals open

    • Mar 31

      2026

      Session / Event proposals close
      (Extended to April 7)

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Session acceptance notifications

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions & registration open

    • Jun 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions close
      (Extended to July 21)

    • Aug 31

      2026

      Abstract acceptance notifications

    • Sep 15

      2026

      Scientific program released

    • Oct 15

      2026

      Early bird registration closes

    • Jan 12–15

      2027

      XMAS 2027