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Climate Change and the Ocean
ACE-CRC ScienceFrom Antarctica to
Australia
Key questions
How does the Southern Ocean influence global and regional climate?
Is the Southern Ocean changing? Can we tell if it is climate change or a natural cycle?
Will changes in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean influence Australian climate?
Connecting ocean basins
Rintoul et al., 2001
Overturning circulation
Rintoul, 2001
Ocean uptake of CO2
Sabine et al., 2004
Ocean heat storage More than 90% of “global warming” is in
the ocean.
Levitus et al., 2004
Ocean heat storage
Most of the change in ocean heat content is in the southern oceans.
Levitus et al., 2004
“I think we’ve hit a critical desalinization point!”
Dennis Quaid, renowned climatologist
Sensitivity to climate change
Hirst et al.,
ACE observations
Antarctic Bottom Water
Rapid changes in the deep SO In 10 years, the
deep layers of the entire basin have become fresher and less dense.
Causes of fresher shelf water
Increased glacial ice melt, due to warmer ocean
More precipitation Less sea ice
formation Change in winds
(eg southern annular mode)
Davis et al., Vaughan; Science, 2005
Link to Australian climate?
Southern Ocean winds further north?
Southern Ocean winds further
south?
Summary
The Southern Ocean has a significant influence on global and regional climate.
Growing evidence for change in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean – but still too soon to tell if it is a natural cycle or due to human activities.
Australia will not be immune to changes in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.
Understanding SO change will enhance our ability to adapt to future change.