Wind-Forced Variability of the Zonal Overturning Circulation

Abstract

Abstract The mechanisms of wind-forced variability of the zonal overturning circulation (ZOC) are explored using an idealized shallow water numerical model, quasigeostrophic theory, and simple analytic conceptual models. Two wind-forcing scenarios are considered: midlatitude variability in the subtropical/subpolar gyres and large-scale variability spanning the equator. It is shown that the midlatitude ZOC exchanges water with the western boundary current and attains maximum amplitude on the same order of magnitude as the Ekman transport at a forcing period close to the basin-crossing time scale for baroclinic Rossby waves. Near the equator, large-scale wind variations force a ZOC that increases in amplitude with decreasing forcing period such that wind stress variability on annual time scales forces a ZOC of O(50) Sv (1 Sv ≡ 106 m3 s−1). For both midlatitude and low-latitude variability the ZOC and its related heat transport are comparable to those of the meridional overturning circulation. The underlying physics of the ZOC relies on the influences of the variation of the Coriolis parameter with latitude on both the geostrophic flow and the baroclinic Rossby wave phase speed as the fluid adjusts to time-varying winds. Significance Statement The purpose of this study is to better understand how large-scale winds at mid- and low latitudes move water eastward or westward, even in the deep ocean that is not in direct contact with the atmosphere. This is important because these currents can shift where heat is stored in the ocean and if it might be released into the atmosphere. It is shown that large-scale winds can drive rapid cross-basin transports of water masses, especially so at low latitudes. The present results provide a guide on what controls this motion and highlight the importance of large-scale ocean waves on the water movement and heat storage.