Potential effect of the marine carbon cycle on the multiple equilibria window of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation

The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is considered to be a tipping element in the Earth system due to possible multiple (stable) equilibria. Here, we investigate the multiple equilibria window of the AMOC within a coupled ocean circulation-carbon cycle box model. We show that addin...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Earth system dynamics 2024-12, Vol.15 (6), p.1567-1590
Main Authors: Boot, Amber A, von der Heydt, Anna S, Dijkstra, Henk A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alkalinity
Analysis
Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC)
Atmosphere
Boxes
Carbon
Carbon content
Carbon cycle
Carbon cycle (Biogeochemistry)
Circulation
Climate change
Connectors
Couplings
Equilibrium
Fresh water
Freshwater
Future climates
Hydrologic cycle
Influence
Inland water environment
Ocean circulation
Ocean currents
Oceans
Salinity
Sediments
Thermohaline circulation
Water circulation
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Summary:The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is considered to be a tipping element in the Earth system due to possible multiple (stable) equilibria. Here, we investigate the multiple equilibria window of the AMOC within a coupled ocean circulation-carbon cycle box model. We show that adding couplings between the ocean circulation and the carbon cycle model affects the multiple equilibria window of the AMOC. Increasing the total carbon content of the system widens the multiple equilibria window of the AMOC, since higher-atmospheric pCO.sub.2 values are accompanied by stronger freshwater forcing over the Atlantic Ocean. The important mechanisms behind the increase in the multiple equilibria window are the balance between the riverine source and the sediment sink of carbon and the sensitivity of the AMOC to freshwater forcing over the Atlantic Ocean. Our results suggest that changes in the marine carbon cycle can influence AMOC stability in future climates.
ISSN:2190-4979
2190-4987
DOI:10.5194/esd-15-1567-2024