North Atlantic Heat Transport Study
Author Information
Author(s): Meyssignac B., Fourest S., Mayer Michael, Johnson G. C., Calafat F. M., Ablain M., Boyer T., Cheng L., Desbruyères D., Forget G., Giglio D., Kuusela M., Locarnini R., Lyman J. M., Llovel W., Mishonov A., Reagan J., Rousseau V., Benveniste J.
Primary Institution: Université de Toulouse, LEGOS (CNES/CNRS/IRD), France
Hypothesis
This study evaluates the ocean heat transport convergence in the North Atlantic using an oceanic energy budget.
Conclusion
The mean ocean energy budget of the North Atlantic is closed to within ±0.25 PW, and the inferred mean oceanic heat transport convergence is 0.58 ± 0.25 PW.
Supporting Evidence
- The mean ocean energy budget is closed to within ±0.25 PW.
- The inferred mean oceanic heat transport convergence is 0.58 ± 0.25 PW.
- Interannual variability of the inferred oceanic heat transport convergence is in reasonable agreement with observed variability.
- The results are robust against the method used to estimate ocean heat content tendency.
- Correlation between annual time series of inferred and observed heat transport convergence is 0.54.
Takeaway
Scientists studied how heat moves in the North Atlantic Ocean and found that the heat coming in and going out is balanced pretty well.
Methodology
The study used an oceanic energy budget approach to estimate ocean heat transport convergence from 2005 to 2018, integrating data from satellite altimetry and in situ measurements.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the assumptions made regarding mass transport and the accuracy of the ocean heat content estimates.
Limitations
The study assumes that the mean MHT at OSNAP has not changed over the study period, which may not be accurate.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.54
Confidence Interval
±0.25 PW
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website