The Ross Sea is a key region in the global climate system, producing a significant fraction of Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) that ventilates the abyssal ocean and regulates heat and carbon storage. Long-term observations from the Italian MORSea observatory reveal multi-decadal variability in Dense Shelf Water (DSW) linked to tidal modulation, atmospheric forcing, and large-scale climate modes such as the Southern Annular Mode. Recent freshening and episodic salinity rebounds reflect the influence of ice-shelf melt and wind anomalies. These findings underscore the Ross Sea’s central role in connecting Antarctic processes to global ocean circulation and climate variability.
The Ross Sea in the Context of Climate Change
Giorgio Budillon
Project Administration
;Pasquale CastagnoWriting – Review & Editing
2025-01-01
Abstract
The Ross Sea is a key region in the global climate system, producing a significant fraction of Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) that ventilates the abyssal ocean and regulates heat and carbon storage. Long-term observations from the Italian MORSea observatory reveal multi-decadal variability in Dense Shelf Water (DSW) linked to tidal modulation, atmospheric forcing, and large-scale climate modes such as the Southern Annular Mode. Recent freshening and episodic salinity rebounds reflect the influence of ice-shelf melt and wind anomalies. These findings underscore the Ross Sea’s central role in connecting Antarctic processes to global ocean circulation and climate variability.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
