From the Ocean Depths to Abrupt Climate Change - Missing Processes in the Global Overturning Circulation

We will develop new insights into the global overturning circulation of the oceans, embracing previously neglected processes to explain global ocean density structure and rates of overturning. We propose that the circulation requires less energy input than previously thought necessary, which would resolve a major controversy in oceanography regarding predicted and measured mixing rates in the deep ocean. Unique laboratory modelling will also examine pressing questions, such as the global effects of surface freshwater input, and the conditions required for a shut-down of the high-latitude sinking of cold waters. Collaboration with CSIRO and the international CLIVAR program will transfer the ideas to global ocean and climate models.