1.
Ödalen, Malin, 1982-
(författare)
Model analysis of ocean carbon storage and transport across climate states
2019
Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt) abstract
The ocean carbon cycle plays a fundamental role in the Earth’s climate system, on decadal to multi-millennial timescales. Of the carbon held in the ocean, the atmosphere, and the terrestrial biosphere combined, more than 90% resides in the ocean. Carbon enters the surface ocean through air-sea gas exchange and from terrestrial sources. It is transported to the deep ocean with the ocean circulation and through the so-called biological pump, where carbon is taken up in the surface ocean by photosynthetic organisms that fall down and decompose at depth. This thesis contributes to the understanding of the processes involved in ocean carbon storage and transport. It examines how these processes respond to model perturbations, and how this response influences our attempts to simulate glacial-interglacial fluctuations in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2).The thesis investigates the response of the simulated ocean carbon storage, and distribution of the isotopic tracer δ13C, to changes in physical and biological parameters. In the included studies, we use observational as well as proxy records of oceanic properties to evaluate our model simulations. In addition, we use a climate model to interpret proxy evidence of glacial-interglacial changes in ocean δ13C. By using a separation framework, we identify the origin of the carbon in the model ocean, and attribute observed changes to the processes involved.The results indicate a strong link between ocean carbon storage and the strength of the global ocean overturning circulation. Stronger circulation leads to less carbon storage through a weakening of the biological pump, and through reduced solubility due to an increase in global ocean average temperature.In simulations of glacial climate, we find that biological adaptability to the surrounding nutrient conditions, through a flexible carbon-to-phosphorus ratio (C/P) in ocean photosynthesis, increases the ocean carbon storage compared to simulations where fixed C/P is applied. The biological flexibility improves the model’s ability to reproduce glacial atmospheric CO2. In line with previous research, we find freshwater input to the North Atlantic to be an important factor for reproducing glacial proxy records. The ensemble of simulations that achieve a good representation of glacial-interglacial δ13C indicates a deglacial whole-ocean change in δ13C of 0.28 ± 0.06‰.The thesis underlines the importance of the initial state, and the choice of model parameterisations, for the outcome of model ensemble, and intercomparison studies. Finally, it proposes a new method for estimation of ocean carbon transport, and attribution of this transport to different water masses and carbon system processes.
2.
Berglund, Sara, 1990-
(författare)
Tracing pathways in the ocean circulation : A temperature and salinity perspective
2021
Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt) abstract
The ocean circulation plays an essential role in our climate system. It redistributes heat, salt, carbon and other tracers across the globe, making the climate of Earth more moderate. This thesis targets density differences that are driving the ocean circulation. These differences are caused by changes in temperature and salinity. The analysis is based on the usage of Lagrangian trajectories simulated with velocity fields from an Earth System Model. The Lagrangian approach opens up for the possibility to follow specific water paths and water masses. The results herein provide a new insight to specific circulation patterns in the ocean, and which regions that play an important role in controlling temperature and salinity changes.In the first two articles, the Lagrangian divergence is introduced. It shows the geographical distribution of heat and salt changes of a simulated water mass. Using this, we are able to show that the northward flowing water in the Atlantic Ocean cools and freshens in the North Atlantic Subtropical Gyre, the Gulf Stream and the North Atlantic Current. Similarly, we show that the water flowing from the Drake Passage, following the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) and moving northwards into the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans, transforms from cold and fresh to warm and saline. This warming and salinification are a result of, not only air-sea fluxes, but also interior mixing.In the third study, we show that 70% of the water flowing northwards as part of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation circuits the North Atlantic Subtropical Gyre at least once before it continues northwards. In the gyre, the water spirals downwards as it gets denser, due to a combination of air-sea fluxes and interior mixing. These results bring a new perspective on the Subtropical Gyre's role to the circulation patterns of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation.In the last part of this thesis, the circulation in the North Atlantic Ocean is traced into four different pathways. The pathways are visualised geographically together with their change in temperature, salinity and density. With this, we are able to show that the northward flowing water in the Atlantic Ocean exchanges heat and salt with the colder and fresher waters circulating the Subpolar Gyre.
3.
Broomé, Sara, 1989-
(författare)
Atlantic Water in the Nordic Seas : A satellite altimetry perspective on ocean circulation
2020
Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt) abstract
The Atlantic Water in the Nordic Seas contributes to the mild climate of Northern Europe and is the main oceanic source of heat for the Arctic. The northward bound transport of the warm and saline Atlantic Water is mediated by a topographically constrained cyclonic boundary current along the Norwegian continental slope. The analysis within this thesis is based on satellite observations of dynamic Sea Surface Heights (SSH) from 1993 to the recent present, combined with both hydrographic observations and modelling. It provides some new perspectives and results, as well as corroborates the essential role of bottom topography for the circulation in the Nordic Seas.In the first part of the thesis, the topographic constraint is used in the analysis by examining the satellite-derived SSH along topographic contours. We find stationary along-contour anomalies that indicate deviations from strict topographic steering. However, we show that these deviations are dynamically consistent with, and can be explained by, potential vorticity conservation in an adiabatic steady-state model for flow over a topographic slope. The analysis along topographic contours is further developed to study northward-propagating, low-frequency ocean temperature signals. These signals have an expression in the SSH and their propagation speed is remarkably slow compared to the current speed. We propose a conceptual model of shear dispersion effects, in which the effective advection speed of a tracer is determined not only by the rapid current core, but by a mean velocity taken over the cross-flow extent of Atlantic Water. The model predicts a reduced effective tracer advection velocity, comparable to the one observed.The close connection between anomalies in SSH and heat content is further used to study decadal variability in the Nordic Seas. There is a shift in decadal trends in the mid-2000s, from a period of strong increase in SSH and heat content to a more stagnant period. We find this variability to be forced remotely, rather than by local air-sea heat fluxes. By developing a conceptual model of ocean heat convergence, we are able to explain the broad features of the decadal changes with the temperature variability of the inflowing Atlantic Water from the subpolar North Atlantic.In the final part of the thesis, satellite-derived surface geostrophic velocity fields are used as input to a Lagrangian trajectory model. Based on this, we study the fractionation of the Atlantic Water in the Nordic Seas between the two straits towards the Arctic Ocean: the Barents Sea Opening and the Fram Strait. This Lagrangian approach also provides insights on the origin of the water that reach the straits. We find that it is the frontal current branch, rather than the slope current, that contributes to the variability of the Barents Sea Opening inflow of warm Atlantic Water, and thus potentially to the climate of the Barents Sea and its sea ice cover.
4.
de Lavergne, C., et al.
(författare)
Toward global maps of internal tide energy sinks
2019
Ingår i: Ocean Modelling. - : Elsevier BV. - 1463-5003 .- 1463-5011. ; 137, s. 52-75
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat) abstract
Internal tides power much of the observed small-scale turbulence in the ocean interior. To represent mixing induced by this turbulence in ocean climate models, the cascade of internal tide energy to dissipation scales must be understood and mapped. Here, we present a framework for estimating the geography of internal tide energy sinks. The mapping relies on the following ingredients: (i) a global observational climatology of stratification; (ii) maps of the generation of M-2, S-2 and K-1 internal tides decomposed into vertical normal modes; (iii) simplified representations of the dissipation of low-mode internal tides due to wave-wave interactions, scattering by small-scale topography, interaction with critical slopes and shoaling; (iv) Lagrangian tracking of low-mode energy beams through observed stratification, including refraction and reflection. We thus obtain a global map of the column-integrated energy dissipation for each of the four considered dissipative processes, each of the three tidal constituents and each of the first five modes. Modes >= 6 are inferred to dissipate within the local water column at the employed half-degree horizontal resolution. Combining all processes, modes and constituents, we construct a map of the total internal tide energy dissipation, which compares well with observational inferences of internal wave energy dissipation. This result suggests that tides largely shape observed spatial contrasts of dissipation, and that the framework has potential in improving understanding and modelling of ocean mixing. However, sensitivity to poorly constrained parameters and simplifying assumptions entering the parameterized energy sinks calls for additional investigation. The attenuation of low-mode internal tides by wave-wave interactions needs particular attention.
5.
Zarroug, Moundheur, 1978-
(författare)
Asymptotic methods applied to some oceanography-related problems
2010
Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt) abstract
In this thesis a number of issues related to oceanographic problems have been dealt with on the basis of applying asymptotic methods. The first study focused on the tidal generation of internal waves, a process which is quantifed by the conversion rates. These have traditionally been calculated by using the WKB approximation. However, the systematic imprecision of this theory for the lowest modes as well as turbulence at the seabed level affect the results. To handle these anomalies we introduced another asymptotic technique, homogenization theory, which led to signifcant improvements, especially for the lowest modes. The second study dealt with the dynamical aspects of a nonlinear oscillator which can be interpreted as a variant of the classical two-box models used in oceanography. The system is constituted by two connected vessels containing a fluid characterised by a nonlinear equation of state and a large volume differences between the vessels is prescribed. It is recognised that the system, when performing relaxation oscillations, exhibits almost-discontinuous jumps between the two branches of the slow manifold of the problem. The lowest-order analysis yielded reasonable correspondence with the numerical results. The third study is an extension of the lowest-order approximation of the relaxation oscillations undertaken in the previous paper. A Mandelstam condition is imposed on the system by assuming that the total heat content of the system is conserved during the discontinuous jumps. In the fourth study an asymptotic analysis is carried out to examine the oscillatory behaviour of the thermal oscillator. It is found that the analytically determined corrections to the zeroth-order analysis yield overall satisfying results even for comparatively large values of the vessel-volume ratio.
6.
Thompson, Bijoy, et al.
(författare)
A model study of the first ventilated regime of the Arctic Ocean during the early Miocene
2012
Ingår i: Polar Research. - : Norwegian Polar Institute. - 0800-0395 .- 1751-8369. ; 31, s. 10859-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat) abstract
The tectonic opening of Fram Strait during the Neogene was a significant geological event that transferred the Arctic Ocean from a poorly ventilated enclosed basin, with weak exchange with the North Atlantic, to a fully ventilated ocean stage''. Previous tectonic and physical oceanographic analyses suggest that the early Miocene Fram Strait was likely several times narrower and less than half as deep as the present-day 400 km wide and 2550 m deep strait. Here we use an ocean general circulation model with a passive age tracer included to further address the effect of the Fram Strait opening on the early Miocene Arctic Ocean circulation. The model tracer age exhibits strong spatial gradient between the two major Arctic Ocean deep basins: the Eurasian and Amerasian basins. There is a two-layer stratification and the exchange flow through Fram Strait shows a bi-layer structure with a low salinity outflow from the Arctic confined to a relatively thin upper layer and a saline inflow from the North Atlantic below. Our study suggests that although Fram Strait was significantly narrower and shallower during early Miocene, and the ventilation mechanism quite different in our model, the estimated ventilation rates are comparable to the chemical tracer estimates in the present-day Arctic Ocean. Since we achieved ventilation of the Arctic Ocean with a prescribed Fram Strait width of 100 km and sill depth of 1000 m, ventilation may have preceded the timing of a full ocean depth connection between the Arctic Ocean and North Atlantic established through seafloor spreading and the development of the Lena Trough.
7.
Falahat, Saeed, et al.
(författare)
Comparison of calculated energy flux of internal tides with microstructure measurements
2014
Ingår i: Tellus. Series A, Dynamic meteorology and oceanography. - : Stockholm University Press. - 0280-6495 .- 1600-0870. ; 66, s. 23240-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat) abstract
Vertical mixing caused by breaking of internal tides plays a major role in maintaining the deep-ocean stratification. This study compares observations of dissipation from microstructure measurements to calculations of the vertical energy flux from barotropic to internal tides, taking into account the temporal variation due to the spring-neap tidal cycle. The dissipation data originate from two surveys in the Brazil Basin Tracer Release Experiment (BBTRE), and one over the LArval Dispersal along the Deep East Pacific Rise (LADDER3), supplemented with a few stations above the North-Atlantic Ridge (GRAVILUCK) and in the western Pacific (IZU). A good correlation is found between logarithmic values of energy flux and local dissipation in BBTRE, suggesting that the theory is able to predict energy fluxes. For the LADDER3, the local dissipation is much smaller than the calculated energy flux, which is very likely due to the different topographic features of BBTRE and LADDER3. The East Pacific Rise consists of a few isolated seamounts, so that most of the internal wave energy can radiate away from the generation site, whereas the Brazil Basin is characterised by extended rough bathymetry, leading to a more local dissipation. The results from all four field surveys support the general conclusion that the fraction of the internal-tide energy flux that is dissipated locally is very different in different regions.
8.
Hieronymus, Magnus, 1982-, et al.
(författare)
The budgets of heat and salinity in NEMO
2013
Ingår i: Ocean Modelling. - : Elsevier BV. - 1463-5003 .- 1463-5011. ; 67, s. 28-38
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat) abstract
The near steady state heat and salinity budgets under surfaces of constant depth are examined in the Nucleus for European Modelling of the Ocean (NEMO) model. It is seen that the heat fluxes in NEMO are difficult to reconcile with the idea of a deep ocean in advection-diffusion balance. Some reasons for this are that the resolved heat advection is downward above 2000 m, and that geothermal heating is, in fact, a major heat source in the deeper parts of the domain. It is also seen that isoneutral diffusion gives a very large contribution to the budgets and that the fluxes from isoneutral diffusion is in general upward. It is explained how the sign of these fluxes depends on the stratification. The heat budget for the upper 100 m of the ocean is seen to be dominated by penetrative shortwave radiation, which is so influential that we would have a mixed layer of considerable thickness even in the absence of other sources of turbulent mixing. Penetrative shortwave radiation is therefore a considerable source of potential energy.
9.
Ballarotta, Maxime, 1984-, et al.
(författare)
The vigorous large-scale ocean circulations during the Last Glacial Maximum
Annan publikation (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt) abstract
The representation of the ocean thermohaline circulation (THC) under glacial and interglacial climate conditions is investigated using a new global thermohaline stream function. Consequently, the interglacial and glacial THCs are compared from two experiments based on an ocean general circulation model forced at the surface by conditions representing the present-day and the period of the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM, ≈ 21kyr ago). It is shown that the LGM THC is amplified by the salinity/density contrast between the Atlantic and the Pacific basins, as well as in the abyss due to larger salinity gradients. Even though the circuit along the Conveyor Belt loop is not drastically changed, the water mass transformations can regionally differ between the two periods. Additionally, the LGM Conveyor Belt Cell is more isolated from the abyss and its turnover time is between two and three times shorter than in the present-day simulation, suggesting vigorous large-scale circulation.
10.
Brannigan, Liam, et al.
(författare)
Generation of Subsurface Anticyclones at Arctic Surface Fronts due to a Surface Stress
2017
Ingår i: Journal of Physical Oceanography. - 0022-3670 .- 1520-0485. ; 47:11, s. 2653-2671
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat) abstract
Isolated anticyclones are frequently observed below the mixed layer in the Arctic Ocean. Some of these subsurface anticyclones are thought to originate at surface fronts. However, previous idealized simulations with no surface stress show that only cyclone–anticyclone dipoles can propagate away from baroclinically unstable surface fronts. Numerical simulations of fronts subject to a surface stress presented here show that a surface stress in the same direction as the geostrophic flow inhibits dipole propagation away from the front. On the other hand, a surface stress in the opposite direction to the geostrophic flow helps dipoles to propagate away from the front. Regardless of the surface stress at the point of dipole formation, these dipoles can be broken up on a time scale of days when a surface stress is applied in the right direction. The dipole breakup leads to the deeper anticyclonic component becoming an isolated subsurface eddy. The breakup of the dipole occurs because the cyclonic component of the dipole in the mixed layer is subject to an additional advection because of the Ekman flow. When the Ekman transport has a component oriented from the anticyclonic part of the dipole toward the cyclonic part then the cyclone is advected away from the anticyclone and the dipole is broken up. When the Ekman transport is in other directions relative to the dipole axis, it also leads to deviations in the trajectory of the dipole. A scaling is presented for the rate at which the surface cyclone is advected that holds across a range of mixed layer depths and surface stress magnitudes in these simulations. The results may be relevant to other regions of the ocean with similar near-surface stratification profiles.
