Abstract
Abstract. In this paper, we consider Maud Rise polynya formation in a long (250-year) high-resolution (ocean 0.1∘, atmosphere 0.5∘ horizontal model resolution) of the Community Earth System Model. We find a dominant multidecadal timescale in the occurrence of these Maud Rise polynyas. Analysis of the results leads us to the interpretation that a preferred timescale can be induced by the variability of the Weddell Gyre, previously identified as the Southern Ocean Mode. The large-scale pattern of heat content variability associated with the Southern Ocean Mode modifies the stratification in the Maud Rise region and leads to a preferred timescale in convection through preconditioning of the subsurface density and consequently to polynya formation.
Highlights
A polynya is an open-water area enclosed by sea ice which persists at least for a few months
We find four multiyear Maud Rise polynyas (MRPs) events and, in each event, convection causes vertical mixing of anomalous subsurface heat towards the surface where it melts the sea ice and leads to the formation of the MRP
These processes of the formation and life cycle of the MRP are broadly in agreement with the classical view as in Martinson et al (1981) and those described from other model results in Martin et al (2013), Dufour et al (2017) and Reintges et al (2017)
Summary
A polynya is an open-water area enclosed by sea ice which persists at least for a few months. We pursue the idea of the possible existence of a preferred multidecadal timescale of MRP events in the Southern Ocean through preconditioning and subsequent convection, by analysing the results of an extended CESM simulation as in van Westen and Dijkstra (2017). In this multi-century CESM simulation, several MRP events are found and we analyse the processes involved in these events. A summary and discussion of the results with the main conclusions are given in the final Sect. 5
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
