Closure of Earth’s Global Seasonal Cycle of Energy Storage
Author Information
Author(s): Gregory C. Johnson, Felix W. Landerer, Norman G. Loeb, John M. Lyman, Michael Mayer, Abigail L. S. Swann, Jinlun Zhang
Primary Institution: NOAA/Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory
Hypothesis
Limiting the local vertical integration of new global ocean heat content estimates to the depth to which seasonal heat energy is stored allows closure of the global seasonal energy budget.
Conclusion
The study finds that the global seasonal energy budget can be closed by integrating ocean heat content from the surface to 50 meters below the maximum mixed layer depth.
Supporting Evidence
- The ocean's seasonal heat storage peaks in April due to its larger Southern Hemisphere area.
- Atmospheric seasonal energy storage peaks in June, while land peaks in September.
- Limiting ocean heat content integration to 50 m below the mixed layer depth allows for closure of the energy budget.
Takeaway
This study shows that by looking at ocean heat storage in a specific way, we can better understand how energy moves in and out of the Earth's climate system throughout the year.
Methodology
The study uses observations and reanalyses to quantify the global seasonal cycle of energy in Earth’s climate system, focusing on ocean heat content estimates.
Limitations
The study's findings are based on specific depth integrations and may not account for all variables affecting energy storage.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
5–95%
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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