The Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

2027 Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

January 12-15, 2027

Origin of the Subpolar AMOC Decadal Variability in a High-resolution Coupled Model
ID:1232 Poster Presentation

2027-01-15 17:00 (China Standard Time)

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

Abstract
The Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) is a basin-scale oceanic circulation system that redistributes heat and freshwater between low and high latitudes, exerting a fundamental control on global climate. Studies suggest that AMOC variability on decadal time scales is linked to varying strength of deep-water formation at high latitudes, which occurs in the Labrador Sea, Irminger Sea, and Nordic Seas. However, the relative contributions from individual basins to the decadal AMOC variability and their potential interconnections remain highly uncertain. Using the annual output from a 320-year pre-industrial control simulation of a high-resolution coupled model, we find that AMOC variability is mostly attributed to density anomalies in the Irminger Sea, compared to that in the Labrador and Nordic seas. Furthermore, such density anomalies in the Irminger Sea have contributions from the Nordic and Labrador seas, mainly through advection along the boundary current or the interior pathway. We will further discuss the role of temperature and salinity in producing the density anomalies leading to subpolar AMOC variability, and how they will change in response to global warming.
 
Speaker
Zhuowei Xie Xiamen University

Author
Zhuowei Xie Xiamen University

    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