On freshwater-dependent bifurcations in box models of the interhemispheric thermohaline circulation

Titz, S., Kuhlbrodt, T. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2328-6729, Rahstorf, S. and Feudel, U. (2002) On freshwater-dependent bifurcations in box models of the interhemispheric thermohaline circulation. Tellus A: Dynamic Meteorology and Oceanography, 54 (1). pp. 89-98. ISSN 1600-0870 doi: 10.1034/j.1600-0870.2002.00303.x

Abstract/Summary

Conceptual box models of the interhemispheric thermohaline circulation are studied with respect to bifurcations. Freshwater fluxes are the main control parameters of the system: they determine the stable states and transitions between stable states of the large-scale thermohaline circulation. In this study of interhemispheric box models both numerical and analytical methods are used to investigate transition mechanisms of the thermohaline circulation. The box model examined first is an interhemispheric four-box model. It is shConceptual box models of the interhemispheric thermohaline circulation are studied with respect to bifurcations. Freshwater fluxes are the main control parameters of the system: they determine the stable states and transitions between stable states of the large-scale thermohaline circulation. In this study of interhemispheric box models both numerical and analytical methods are used to investigate transition mechanisms of the thermohaline circulation. The box model examined first is an interhemispheric four-box model. It is shown that the two bifurcations where the present THC can become unstable, the saddle-node and the Hopf bifurcation, dependin a different way on hemispheric freshwater fluxes. A reduction of the model variables leads to the conclusion that two fixed freshwater fluxes between three surface boxes are the model feature responsible for the bifurcation behaviour found. The significance of the Hopf bifurcation for the stability of the thermohaline circulation is discussed.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/111688
Identification Number/DOI	10.1034/j.1600-0870.2002.00303.x
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	No Reading authors. Back catalogue items
Publisher	Taylor & Francis
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