Spall, M.A., 2021:  An Idealized Modeling Study of the Midlatitude Variability of the Wind-Driven Meridional Overturning Circulation.  Journal of Physical Oceanography, 2425-2441, https://doi.org/10.1175/JPO-D-20-0317.1

The amplitude of the wind-forced meridional overturning circulation variability as a function of latitude and forcing frequency for the upper (layer 1), mid (layer 2), and abyssal (layer 3) ocean as predicted by a quasigeostrophic theory, a linear numerical model, and a nonlinear numerical model.

The purpose of this study is to better understand how large-scale winds at midlatitudes move water northward or southward, even in the deep ocean that is not in direct contact with the atmosphere. This is important because winds can shift where heat is stored and whether it might be released into the atmosphere. These results provide a guide on what controls this motion and highlight the importance of large-scale ocean waves and smaller-scale ocean turbulence on the water movement and heat storage.  Image provided by Michael A. Spall.