Effects of parameterized eddy stress on volume, heat, and freshwater transports through Fram Strait

Abstract

Coarse-resolution models, such as those used in climate studies, often do not properly represent transports through narrow channels. We consider the climatically important transports of volume, heat, and freshwater through Fram Strait. A coarse grid (nominally 1°) global ocean model is seen to underrepresent exchanges. We test effects of eddy stress (Neptune) parameterization, finding strengthened volume exchanges both to and from the Arctic and increased mean northward heat transport while limiting southward freshwater export. Results are closer to observed transports and to results from fine-resolution models. This study finds that the effects of the eddy stress on temporal variations of transports are small.