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CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research
Past Seminars

Seminar Abstract

CSIRO Auditorium

Peter R. Gent
National Centre for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, Colorado, USA

WHAT SETS THE MEAN TRANSPORT THROUGH DRAKE PASSAGE?

Twelve experiments using a coarse resolution global ocean model using a variety of surface forcings are analyzed to address the question of what sets the mean transport through Drake Passage. Previous theories have suggested that the Drake Passage transport is governed by the Cape Horn Sverdrup transport or, alternatively, is proportional to the square root of the meridional Ekman transport at the latitude of Drake Passage. The model results do not support either of these theories. When the magnitudes of the model's parameters are kept fixed, the results show a very strong correlation between Drake Passage transport and both the strength of the meridional Ekman transport at the latitude of Drake Passage and the thermohaline circulation off the Antarctic shelf. The relationships are monotonic, but not linear. The best estimate from the model is that the meridional Ekman transport drives about 100 Sverdrups of Drake Passage transport, while the remaining 30 Sverdrups are driven by the global thermohaline circulation.

CSIRO = Marine Laboratories Auditorium, Castray Esplanade, Hobart

For further information, or to schedule a seminar, contact:
Nugzar Margvelashvili, (Oceanographic seminars) CSIRO Marine Research (03) 62325142
Peter Thompson, (Biological seminars) CSIRO Marine Research (03) 6232 5298
Keith Hayes, (Biological seminars) CSIRO Marine Research (03) 6232 5298
Leanne Armand, Antarctic CRC & IASOS, University of Tasmania (03) 6226 2509

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