Variability in Labrador Sea Water formation

• Main Author: Gelderloos, R.
• Other Authors: Ruijter, W.P.M. de, Katsman, C.
• Format: Doctoral or Postdoctoral Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: Utrecht University 2012
• Subjects: Natuur- en sterrenkunde; deep water formation; Labrador Sea; air-sea interaction; altimetry; North Atlantic
• Online Access: https://dspace.library.uu.nl/handle/1874/238675

The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) transports of a large amount of heat towards the North Atlantic region. Since this circulation is considered to have shown pronounced variability in the past, and a weakening is projected for the 21st century, it is very important to understand and monitor the mechanisms that determine its variability. Deep water formation is one of the most important of these mechanisms as it plays an important role in setting the shape and strength of the AMOC. It only takes place in a few locations in the ocean, one of which is the Labrador Sea. In this thesis two processes that play an important role in determining the variability of Labrador Sea Water formation are studied as well as the possibility to monitor this variability using satellite altimetry measurements. The first process study focused on the restratification period after a deep convection event. The dense water in the area affected by deep convection is then (partly) replaced by more buoyant water originating from the boundary currents that encircle the interior. Using a numerical model in an idealized configuration, the roles of three eddy types that are known to play a role in the restratification process were studied. It was found that the presence of Irminger Rings is essential for a realistic amount of restratification in the Labrador Sea. The second process study focused on the effects of a very fresh surface layer, which makes the surface layer lighter and can, if light enough, inhibit convective mixing. The well-known case of the Great Salinity Anomaly (1969-1971), which was fortuitously well documented by the measurements taken at ocean weather station “Bravo” in the central Labrador Sea, has been analyzed. In contrast to what is commonly assumed, only a combination of the fresh surface layer and the very mild winter conditions in 1969 could have started the convective shutdown, and only a combination of the extremely harsh winter and a salinification of the upper water column could have caused its ...