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Observed flow compensation associated with the MOC at 26.5°N in the Atlantic
Kanzow, T.; Cunningham, S.A.; Rayner, D.; Hirschi, J.J.-M.; Johns, W.E.; Baringer, M.O.; Bryden, H.L.; Beal, L.M.; Meinen, C.S.; Marotzke, J. (2007). Observed flow compensation associated with the MOC at 26.5°N in the Atlantic. Science (Wash.) 317(5840): 938-941
In: Science (Washington). American Association for the Advancement of Science: New York, N.Y. ISSN 0036-8075; e-ISSN 1095-9203, more
Peer reviewed article  

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Keyword
    Marine/Coastal

Authors  Top 
  • Kanzow, T.
  • Cunningham, S.A.
  • Rayner, D.
  • Hirschi, J.J.-M.
  • Johns, W.E.
  • Baringer, M.O.
  • Bryden, H.L.
  • Beal, L.M.
  • Meinen, C.S.
  • Marotzke, J.

Abstract
    The Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (MOC), which provides one-quarter of the global meridional heat transport, is composed of a number of separate flow components. How changes in the strength of each of those components may affect that of the others has been unclear because of a lack of adequate data. We continuously observed the MOC at 26.5°N for 1 year using end-point measurements of density, bottom pressure, and ocean currents; cable measurements across the Straits of Florida; and wind stress. The different transport components largely compensate for each other, thus confirming the validity of our monitoring approach. The MOC varied over the period of observation by ±5.7 x 106 cubic meters per second, with density-inferred and wind-driven transports contributing equally to it. We find evidence for depth-independent compensation for the wind-driven surface flow.

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