Abstract

The current paradigm of modern climatology and oceanography is that the thermohaline ocean circulation comprises a so-called global ocean ''salinity conveyor belt'' - a system of currents connecting the northern North Atlantic and northern North Pacific. A hypothesis is put forth here that a slight disparity in freshwater redistribution between the oceans in the Northern Hemisphere is sufficient to build up and maintain a global conveyor-type ocean thermohaline circulation, and that freshwater redistribution in the Southern Hemisphere may have less influence on the fate of this circulation. Relatively small changes in sea surface salinity contrasts between the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans can cause a substantial restructure of the global ocean conveyor. If, as recent observational evidence suggests, the Atlantic Ocean will become less salty, it may affect future patterns of global ocean circulation and climate.

Seidov, D., Haupt, B. J., How to run a minimalist's global ocean conveyor, Geophysical Research Letters, 32(7), L07610-1 - L07610-4, 2005.

Light refreshments are served in the Interaction Area (4th floor of the Oceanography/Physics Building) at 4:00 p.m.

All seminars begin at 3:00 p.m. and are held in room 200 of the Oceanography/Physics building.