Bjerknes compensation at high northern latitudes: The ocean forcing the atmosphere

Abstract

The mechanisms for Bjerknes compensation of heat transport variations through the atmosphere and ocean on decadal time scales are investigated, using data output from a preindustrial control run of the Third Hadley Centre Coupled Ocean-Atmosphere General Circulation Model (HadCM3). It has recently been shown that Bjerknes compensation occurs on decadal time scales in a long preindustrial control run of HadCM3. This result is elaborated on by performing lead/lag correlations of the atmospheric and oceanic heat transports. By using statistical analysis, Bjerknes compensation is observed on decadal time scales at latitudes between 50° and 80°N. A maximum compensation rate of ∼55% occurs at 70°N. At this latitude, the correlation rate peaks when the ocean leads the atmosphere by one year. The mechanisms by which Bjerknes compensation occurs at this latitude are investigated. Anomalies in oceanic heat transport appear to be associated with variations in the strength of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (MOC). The associated sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies are in general too weak to assert a significant impact on the atmosphere. At 70°N, however, such SST anomalies are a prelude to the transition from sea ice coverage to open water after which the associated changes in heat exchange with the atmosphere are strong enough to force an atmospheric response. Because of the presence of a strong MOC component in the Atlantic Ocean, this interaction is confined to the region where the northeast Atlantic and Arctic Oceans connect. The atmospheric response to increased (decreased) heating from below is a decreased (increased) poleward temperature gradient, leading to a decreased (increased) heat transport by baroclinic eddies. The anomalous thermal low that is set up by heating from the ocean is associated with anomalous advection of cold air from the Greenland landmass. © 2007 American Meteorological Society.