For a fuller description of the paper itself, go to the end of this web page.
Each simulation published in this paper corresponds to a unique 5 or 6 character code on the web pages.
The following table lists the name of the simulation as used in the paper, and the corresponding code name
The webpage gives you the ability to examine the published simulations, but you can also download the raw (netcdf) files to perform your own analysis. Detailed instructions on how to use the webpages and access the data can be found here: Using_BRIDGE_webpages.pdf
There are three sets of simulations: (1) the control simulation (with a diffusive pipe parameterisation; see Ivanovic et al. 2013 Ocean Modelling) and a simulation with no Mediterranean-Atlantic exchange at all; (2) four simulations with changed Mediterranean-Atlantic exchange strength, where the control's coefficient of exchange (or mixing) between the basins has been quadrupled, doubled, halved, and quartered; (3) a pair of simulations where the salinity of the entire Mediterranean Sea is held constant at 19 psu and 76 psu (respectively) throughout the experiment.
You can have make you own analysis and plots by going here
| Simulation Name as in Paper | Simulation name on web pages |
|---|---|
| Pre-Industrial HadCM3 control simulation; control | tcvmb2 |
| Simulation with NO Mediterranean-Atlantic exchange; no-exch | tcvsr2 |
| Simulation with quartered coefficient of Mediterranean-Atlantic exchange; quart-exch | tcxzv2 |
| Simulation with halved coefficient of Mediterranean-Atlantic exchange; half-exch | tcvsf2 |
| Simulation with doubled coefficient of Mediterranean-Atlantic exchange; doub-exch | tcvse2 |
| Simulation with quadrupled coefficient of Mediterranean-Atlantic exchange; quad-exch | tcxzu2 |
| Simulation with roughly half the normal Mediterranean salinity (19 psu); fresh-Med | tdcyf2 |
| Simulation with roughly double the normal Mediterranean salinity (76 psu); salt-Med | tdcyb2 |
This paper examines the effect of changes to the exchange rate and salinity of Mediterranean Outflow Water on North Atlantic Ocean circulation and global-scale climate
| Name | Ivanovic et al |
|---|---|
| Brief Description | This paper examines the effect of changes to the exchange rate and salinity of Mediterranean Outflow Water on North Atlantic Ocean circulation and global-scale climate |
| Full Author List | Ruza F. Ivanovic, Paul J. Valdes, Lauren J. Gregoire, Rachel Flecker, Marcus Gutjahr |
| Title | Sensitivity of modern climate to the presence, strength and salinity of Mediterranean-Atlantic exchange in a global General Circulation Model |
| Year | 2014 |
| Journal | Climate Dynamics |
| Volume | 42 |
| Issue | 3-4 |
| Pages | 859-877 |
| DOI | doi:10.1007/s00382-013-1680-5 |
| Contact's Name | Ruza Ivanovic |
| Contact's email | r.ivanovic@leeds.ac.uk |
| Abstract | Mediterranean Outflow Water (MOW) is thought to be a key contributor to the strength and stability of Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), but the future of Mediterranean-Atlantic water exchange is uncertain. It is chiefly dependent on the difference between Mediterranean and Atlantic temperature and salinity characteristics, and as a semi-enclosed basin, the Mediterranean is particularly vulnerable to future changes in climate and water usage. Certainly, there is strong geologic evidence that the Mediterranean underwent dramatic salinity and sea-level fluctuations in the past. Here, we use a fully coupled atmosphere–ocean General Circulation Model to examine the impact of changes in Mediterranean-Atlantic exchange on global ocean circulation and climate. Our results suggest that MOW strengthens and possibly stabilises the AMOC not through any contribution towards NADW formation, but by delivering relatively warm, saline water to southbound Atlantic currents below 800 m. However, we find almost no climate signal associated with changes in Mediterranean-Atlantic flow strength. Mediterranean salinity, on the other hand, controls MOW buoyancy in the Atlantic and therefore affects its interaction with the shallow-intermediate circulation patterns that govern surface climate. Changing Mediterranean salinity by a factor of two reorganises shallow North Atlantic circulation, resulting in regional climate anomalies in the North Atlantic, Labrador and Greenland-Iceland-Norwegian Seas of ±4 °C or more. Although such major variations in salinity are believed to have occurred in the past, they are unlikely to occur in the near future. However, our work does suggest that changes in the Mediterranean’s hydrological balance can impact global-scale climate. |