Recent increases in Arctic freshwater flux affects Labrador Sea convection and Atlantic overturning circulation

Nature Communications
Qian YangJohn Mortensen

Abstract

The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is an important component of ocean thermohaline circulation. Melting of Greenland's ice sheet is freshening the North Atlantic; however, whether the augmented freshwater flux is disrupting the AMOC is unclear. Dense Labrador Sea Water (LSW), formed by winter cooling of saline North Atlantic water and subsequent convection, is a key component of the deep southward return flow of the AMOC. Although LSW formation recently decreased, it also reached historically high values in the mid-1990s, making the connection to the freshwater flux unclear. Here we derive a new estimate of the recent freshwater flux from Greenland using updated GRACE satellite data, present new flux estimates for heat and salt from the North Atlantic into the Labrador Sea and explain recent variations in LSW formation. We suggest that changes in LSW can be directly linked to recent freshening, and suggest a possible link to AMOC weakening.

References

Dec 14, 2002·Science·Bruce J PetersonStefan Rahmstorf
Feb 18, 2006·Science·Eric Rignot, Pannir Kanagaratnam
Aug 26, 2006·Science·Bruce J PetersonKnut Aagaard
Dec 1, 2012·Science·Ian JoughinDavid M Holland
Dec 7, 2013·Nature·Fiammetta Straneo, Patrick Heimbach
Mar 31, 2015·Nature Communications·Didier SwingedouwRoland Séférian

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations

Jan 1, 2016·Geoscientific Model Development·Sophie M J NowickiAndrew Shepherd
Aug 9, 2017·Philosophical Transactions. Series A, Mathematical, Physical, and Engineering Sciences·Monika RheinIgor Yashayaev
Jul 19, 2018·Nature Communications·Christoph MayerClemens Schannwell
Jul 26, 2019·Journal of Geophysical Research. Oceans·D S DukhovskoyA J Tedstone
Nov 30, 2019·Scientific Reports·Kerstin PernerEystein Jansen
Dec 22, 2020·Global Change Biology·Niall McGintyAndrew J Irwin
Feb 25, 2021·Nature Communications·Jiaxu ZhangMilena Veneziani

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Software Mentioned

GRACE
PIOMAS
RACMO2

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.