Multi-spatial variability modes of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation

The multi-spatial variability modes of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (MOC) are identified in the natural coupled simulation of two climate models, the MOC either oscillates at decadal scales with strong cross- equatorial flow or fluctuates locally at interannual scales with weaker cross-equatorial flow. Former studies mainly emphasize the paleo-environmental and paleo-climatic impacts of the meridional overturning states transition; this analysis indicates the existence of the multi-spatial variability modes of the MOC at interannual to decadal scales. Further analysis indicates that the conventionally used MOC index, which is defined as the maximum zonal mean meridional stream-function of the North Atlantic, cannot properly describe the multi-spatial variability characteristics of the MOC.