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Copyright Copernicus GmbH 2013

Abstract

In the Pliocene Model Intercomparison Project (PlioMIP), eight state-of-the-art coupled climate models have simulated the mid-Pliocene warm period (mPWP, 3.264 to 3.025 Ma). Here, we compare the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), northward ocean heat transport and ocean stratification simulated with these models. None of the models participating in PlioMIP simulates a strong mid-Pliocene AMOC as suggested by earlier proxy studies. Rather, there is no consistent increase in AMOC maximum among the PlioMIP models. The only consistent change in AMOC is a shoaling of the overturning cell in the Atlantic, and a reduced influence of North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW) at depth in the basin. Furthermore, the simulated mid-Pliocene Atlantic northward heat transport is similar to the pre-industrial. These simulations demonstrate that the reconstructed high-latitude mid-Pliocene warming can not be explained as a direct response to an intensification of AMOC and concomitant increase in northward ocean heat transport by the Atlantic.

Details

Title
Mid-pliocene Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation not unlike modern
Author
Zhang, Z.-S.; Nisancioglu, K. H.; Chandler, M. A.; Haywood, A. M.; Otto-Bliesner, B. L.; Ramstein, G.; Stepanek, C.; Abe-Ouchi, A.; Chan, W.-L.; Bragg, F. J.; Contoux, C.; Dolan, A. M.; Hill, D. J.; Jost, A.; Kamae, Y.; Lohmann, G.; Lunt, D. J.; Rosenbloom, N. A.; Sohl, L. E.; Ueda, H.
First page
1495
Publication year
2013
Publication date
2013
Publisher
Copernicus GmbH
ISSN
18149324
e-ISSN
18149332
Source type
Scholarly Journal
Language of publication
English
ProQuest document ID
1430895260
Copyright
Copyright Copernicus GmbH 2013