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Long-term changes in the North Atlantic current system and their biological implications
Taylor, A.H. (1978). Long-term changes in the North Atlantic current system and their biological implications. Proc., Sect. B Biol. Sci. 76(1-3): 223-243
In: Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. Section B, Biological Sciences. Royal Society of Edinburgh: Edinburgh. ISSN 0269-7270; e-ISSN 2053-5910, more
Peer reviewed article  

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Keywords
    Motion > Atmospheric motion > Winds
    Motion > Water motion > Water currents
    Ocean-atmosphere system
    Properties > Water properties > Temperature > Water temperature
    Marine/Coastal

Author  Top 
  • Taylor, A.H.

Abstract
    Evidence is presented to show that the dominant mode of temperature change of the last 25 years, in the North Atlantic, has recurred throughout the last 100 years. Temperatures in the NE Atlantic, where this mode is especially prominent, tend to be inversely related to the strength of the Trade and Westerly Winds. The mode of temperature change, which extends through the top 250 m and involves corresponding salinity changes in the NE Atlantic, is interpreted as resulting from a shift in the North Atlantic Current system, wind-induced increases in the transport of the North Atlantic Gyre being accompanied by a radial shrinkage of the current system and a reduction of the warm water discharge to the north. A theoretical analysis, relating this current change to a shift in the separation of the Gulf Stream from the North American coast, is attempted to examine the consequences of this interpretation.

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