Abstract

The sensitivity of upper thermocline properties, and global climate, to tropical cyclone (TC) winds is examined using global ocean and atmosphere general circulation models. We combine seven years of global, satellite-based TC wind records with a standard surface wind input data set derived from reanalysis, and we apply idealized factors to TC winds in order to model the ocean's equilibrium response to increases in TC intensities. We find TC-induced vertical ocean mixing impacts upper thermocline properties, such as temperature and mixed layer depth, and the effects are amplified for increasing intensities. The model's ocean heat transport is also affected, but only when TC winds are increased substantially compared to present-day values. Atmospheric model simulations show altered ocean temperature can lead to changes in the mean Hadley circulation. Results suggest increased TC activity may affect global climate by altering the ocean's thermal structure, which could be important for large scale ocean-atmosphere feedbacks.

Comments

An edited version of this paper was published by AGU. Copyright (2010) American Geophysical Union.

Ryan L. Sriver, Matthew Huber, (2010), Modeled sensitivity of upper thermocline properties to tropical cyclone winds and possible feedbacks on the Hadley circulation, Geophysical Research Letters, Vol 37, 10.1029/2010GL042836. To view the published open abstract, go to http://dx.doi.org and enter the DOI.

Keywords

climate dynamics, tropical cyclones, ocean-atmosphere interactions

Date of this Version

2010

DOI

10.1029/2010GL042836

Volume

37

Issue

8

Pages

L08704-L08704

Link Out to Full Text

http://www.agu.org/pubs/crossref/2010/2010GL042836.shtml

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