The downward spiralling nature of the North Atlantic Subtropical Gyre

This study identifies a new feature of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) within the North Atlantic Subtropical Gyre, revealing that 70% of northward-flowing water first circulates the Gyre multiple times before continuing north. This recirculation increases water density and depth through air-sea interaction and mixing, enabling its eventual northward progression and impacting AMOC strength and heat transport. Understanding this Gyre's role is crucial for accurately predicting future AMOC changes.

Sara Berglund, Kristofer Döös, Sjoerd Groeskamp, Trevor J. McDougall