Southern Ocean
	Physical Oceanography

The Southern Ocean

• connects the major ocean basins via the Antarctic Circumpolar Current
• provides an oceanic conduit for the transmission of heat and freshwater climate anomalies around the globe
• is the site of ventilation of the major oceanic intermediate and bottom waters
• shapes the thermocline of the southern hemisphere through the subduction of cool, low salinity polar surface water

Process studies of the Southern Ocean will be essential elements in future climate experiments. It is a challenging field for students interested in theory, modeling, or observations. SIO faculty and researchers are involved in studies of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current and its associated fronts, Antarctic Intermediate Water formation, mesoscale eddies and mixing. In preparation for the Southern Ocean CLIVAR (CLImate VARiability) program, we are developing new technology (isopycnal floats and gliders) to operate in the harsh polar environment, and we are establishing time series to allow us to examine variability on scales from seasonal to decadal.

---

Currents from an April 2000 crossing of Drake Passage. Crossings are obtained 2-4x/month. Velocity vectors are colored according to ocean temperature The Antarctic Circumpolar Current consists of a series of relatively narrow eastward jets. The northernmost jet follows the edge of the Patagonian shelf, and there is a warm eddy or recirculation immediately to the south of it. The Polar Front is marked by the abrupt temperature change at 2C and narrow jet in mid-passage.

Ocean currents from shipboard ADCP are measured from the Antarctic supply vessels. RVIB Laurence M. Gould is shown here crossing Drake Passage.

The Laurence M. Gould at Palmer Station, Antartica. Photos courtesy of Raytheon Polar Services, which provides technical support to the U.S. Antarctic Program.

Most recent email from the RVIB Laurence M. Gould

Long term temperature trends in the Southern Ocean indicate that the ocean has warmed up since the 1950s, even in the depth range between 700 and 1100 m. Here temperature trends are estimated by comparing 1990s float observations with historic shipboard profiles. Rates of oceanic temperature rise appear comparable to atmospheric temperature increases (Gille, 2002, Science, 295, 1275-1277).

Researchers

Scripps faculty involved in Southern Ocean studies include:

• Teresa Chereskin
  
• Russ Davis
  
• Sarah Gille
  
• Paul Robbins
  
• Dean Roemmich
  
• Detlef Stammer
• Jim Swift
  
• Lynne Talley
  

Back to Research

Physical Oceanography at Scripps