Multidecadal variability in the Arctic/North Atlantic climate system

Surface salinity

This movie shows variations of the simulated surface salinity (blue is for fresher water, red is for saltier water).

The arctic surface salinity change is so rythmic in its seasonal cycle that it resembles the heart beat. The seasonal variations of the salinity are mainly determined by the annual variability of ice: during summer the ice melts andthe upper ocean becomes fresher (blue), in winter water is saltier (red). Siberian rivers and McKenzey River add fresh water to the surrounding areas and the Arctic Ocean as a whole.

In some years there is more ice melt and the water becomes fresher (more blue color). These periods are associated with the positive phases of the decadal and multidecadal modes of arctic variability.

Surface temperature

This movie presents the simulated surface water temperatures.

Under the ice the water temperature is very low, well below 0C (blue color) and close to its freezing point. Thus, one can easily determine the area of the Arctic Ocean covered by ice (blue-colored). In the North Atlantic the surface water temperature is controlled by the atmospheric heat fluxes and relatively warm. One can see how the warm water penetrates deep into the polar region in summer forcing the ice to retreat.

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