Low-frequency climate variability of an aquaplanet

Abstract

The long-term variability of an aquaplanet climate is analyzed with a coupled atmosphere–ocean–sea ice general circulation model. The main result of the 20,000 years simulation is a very dominant low-frequency oscillation with a period of approximately 700 years. All compartments of the aquaplanet (atmosphere, ocean, and sea ice) are involved as the climate alternates between warmer and colder states. Comprehensive time series analyses, as well as a comparison between mean states of cold and warm phases, give a detailed picture of the life cycle of the low-frequency oscillation. The warm phases are characterized by ice-free polar waters and a weaker meridional overturning circulation. During cold phases, the poles are completely covered by sea ice (down to 65∘ N/S) and the overturning cells in the ocean are stronger. The climate state changes throughout atmosphere and ocean; however, surface areas in high latitudes are especially affected due to the changing sea ice cover. The meridional energy transport in atmosphere and ocean alternates with the climate regime, since the ocean is more efficient in transporting heat poleward when the poles are ice-free.