Abstract
This chapter presents a brief overview of available observations and a more detailed discussion of the theory of the meridional overturning circulation (MOC). It should be pointed out that the theory of the MOC is not yet as solid as the theory of the wind-driven circulation. There is a variety of model types – box models of various configurations and zonally averaged models – many have imbedded severe approximations and unjustifiable assumptions which should be taken with care. We made an attempt to discuss these shortcomings and to present better alternatives if possible.
Keywords
- Southern Ocean
- Western Boundary Current
- North Atlantic Deep Water
- Meridional Velocity
- Multiple Steady State
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.
Buying options
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Learn about institutional subscriptionsPreview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding authors
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2012 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Olbers, D., Willebrand, J., Eden, C. (2012). The Meridional Overturning of the Oceans. In: Ocean Dynamics. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-23450-7_15
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-23450-7_15
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Print ISBN: 978-3-642-23449-1
Online ISBN: 978-3-642-23450-7
eBook Packages: Earth and Environmental ScienceEarth and Environmental Science (R0)