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| July 9 @ 2:30 PM (Thursday) |
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| Title: |
BARENTS SEA HEAT: TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND SURFACE FLUXES
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| Presenter: |
Lars H. Smedsrud
Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research, Bergen, Norway
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| Abstract: |
Sensitivity of the Barents Sea towards variation in ocean heat transport is explored using a column model. A synthesized ocean transport of heat and a salt, and monthly atmospheric forcing, reproduce the seasonal cycle with deep winter convection and surface warming and freshening well. Model results are compared to horizontally averaged profiles and earlier estimates of the ocean to air heat fluxes.
Results indicate that the transported ~70TW of heat is lost in the southern Barents Sea as latent, sensible and long wave radiation, each contributing 23-39 TW to the heat loss. Solar radiation adds 26TW in this area, as there is no significant ice production.
The northern Barents Sea, the major part of the area, receives little heat transport. This leads to a mixed layer at the freezing point during winter and significant ice production. There is little net surface heat loss in the north, the balance is achieved by long wave loss removing most of the solar heating, and the model also suggests a positive sensible heat gain.
The last decade has seen an atmospheric warming and an increased ocean transport. Despite such large changes the Barents Sea heat loss remains robust, the temperature adjusts, and the yearly cycle remains. Decreasing the ocean heat transport below 50TW starts a transition towards Arctic Ocean conditions. Barents Sea heat loss is effectively controlled by cooling area, and the increased heat transport produces a spreading of warm water further north.
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| Location: |
Hardisty Conference Center
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| Note |
All seminars are on Thursdays at 2:30 p.m. in the Hardisty Conference Center, unless otherwise noted.
Coffee, cookies, and conversation begin at 2:15 p.m.
Use the east entrance of Henderson Hall and ask the receptionist for directions to the Conference Center.
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