Drivers of ocean warming in the western boundary currents of the Southern Hemisphere

Junde Li (), Moninya Roughan () and Colette Kerry
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Junde Li: University of New South Wales
Moninya Roughan: University of New South Wales
Colette Kerry: University of New South Wales

Nature Climate Change, 2022, vol. 12, issue 10, 901-909

Abstract: Abstract Western boundary currents (WBCs) of the Southern Hemisphere transport heat poleward and are regions of rapid ocean warming. However, the mechanisms responsible for the enhanced warming over the Southern Hemisphere WBC extensions are still debated. Here we show that enhanced eddy generation in the WBC extensions through changes in barotropic and baroclinic instabilities results in enhanced ocean warming as the eddies propagate. This results from a poleward shift of the WBCs, associated with changes in the mid-latitude easterly winds. Consequently, the WBCs have penetrated poleward but not strengthened and are now transporting more heat into their extensions. Our study clearly elucidates the dynamic processes driving increased eddying and warming in the Southern Hemisphere WBC extensions and has implications for understanding and predicting ocean warming, marine heatwaves and the impact on the marine ecosystem in the WBC extensions under climate change.

Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1038/s41558-022-01473-8

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