Dynamic sea level changes following changes in the thermohaline circulation |
| |
Authors: | Anders Levermann Alexa Griesel Matthias Hofmann Marisa Montoya Stefan Rahmstorf |
| |
Institution: | (1) Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Telegraphenberg A26, 14473 Potsdam, Germany;(2) Facultad de Ciencias Fisicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain |
| |
Abstract: | Using the coupled climate model CLIMBER-3 , we investigate changes in sea surface elevation due to a weakening of the thermohaline circulation (THC). In addition to a global sea level rise due to a warming of the deep sea, this leads to a regional dynamic sea level change which follows quasi-instantaneously any change in the ocean circulation. We show that the magnitude of this dynamic effect can locally reach up to ~1 m, depending on the initial THC strength. In some regions the rate of change can be up to 20–25 mm/yr. The emerging patterns are discussed with respect to the oceanic circulation changes. Most prominent is a south-north gradient reflecting the changes in geostrophic surface currents. Our results suggest that an analysis of observed sea level change patterns could be useful for monitoring the THC strength. |
| |
Keywords: | |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|