Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation: Reviews of Observational and Modeling Advances—An Introduction. Issue 1 (19th January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Srokosz, Meric; Danabasoglu, Gokhan; Patterson, Michael
• Is Part Of: Journal of geophysical research. Volume 126:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-01-19
• Subjects: AMOC -- Overturning Circulation -- Rapid Climate Change -- Special Issue; Oceanography -- Periodicals; 551.4605
• DOI: 10.1029/2020JC016745
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2169-9275

Abstract

Abstract: This article provides a brief overview of AMOC science organized collaboratively between the UK RAPID and US AMOC Programs (with partners internationally) during the past 16 years as reflected in the set of synthesis and review articles in the AGU special issue entitled "Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation: Reviews of Observational and Modeling Advances." The article highlights the programs' initial motivations and summarizes the successful implementation of the pan‐Atlantic AMOC observing system, efforts to assess the state, variability, and changes in AMOC, advances in understanding AMOC variability mechanisms and predictability, and illumination of AMOC impacts on global and regional climate, sea level, and ecosystems. Plain Language Summary: The authors present a brief introduction of a collection of science summary articles that showcase research advances during the past decade and a half in observing, understanding, and predicting variations and changes in the large‐scale circulation of the Atlantic Ocean and its impacts on climate variability and the potential for rapid climate change. Key Points: UK RAPID and US AMOC Programs implemented an AMOC observing system and advanced understanding and modeling of AMOC variability and change Challenges remain to sustain observations, improve modeling and prediction on AMOC, and further knowledge of its climate impacts