Sustainable Observations of the AMOC: Methodology and Technology
Gerard D McCarthy1, Charles N Flagg2, Loic Houpert3, Chris W. Hughes4, Mark E Inall5, Kerstin Jochumsen6,7, Karin Margretha Husgard Larsen8, Christopher S Meinen9, Ben I Moat3, Monika Rhein10, Claudia Schmid11, Stuart A Cunningham5, Caroline Cusack12 and N. Penny Holliday3, (1)Maynooth University, ICARUS, Department of Geography, Maynooth, Ireland, (2)Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States, (3)National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, United Kingdom, (4)University of Liverpool, School of Environmental Sciences, Liverpool, United Kingdom, (5)Scottish Association for Marine Science, Oban, United Kingdom, (6)University of Hamburg, Institute of Experimental Oceanography, Hamburg, Germany, (7)Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH), Hamburg, Germany, (8)Faroe Marine Research Institute, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands, (9)Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, Physical Oceanography Division, Miami, FL, United States, (10)Univ Bremen, FB1, Bremen, Germany, (11)NOAA/AOML, Miami, United States, (12)Marine Institute Ireland, Oranmore, Ireland
Abstract:
The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is a key mechanism of heat, freshwater, and carbon redistribution in the climate system. The precept that the AMOC has changed abruptly in the past, notably during and at the end of the last ice age, and that it is ‘very likely’ to weaken in the coming century due to anthropogenic climate change is a key motivation for sustained observations of the AMOC.
This poster considers the methodology and technology used to observe the AMOC and assesses these ideas and systems for accuracy, shortcomings, potential improvements and sustainability. We look at the original ship-based hydrographic techniques to emerging technology. Transport mooring arrays provide the ‘gold standard’ for sustained AMOC observing, utilizing dynamic height, current meter, and other instrumentation and techniques to produce continuous observations of the AMOC. We consider how these systems can be sustained and improved into the future. Technology is constantly evolving and we look to the future of technology and how it can be deployed for sustained and expanded AMOC measurements.
We consider these challenges in a case study on the evolving observations in the northeast Atlantic, looking at key challenges and gaps that need closing. These methodologies and technologies are considered with a view to a sustained and sustainable future for AMOC observation.
