Assess the impact of changes in oceanic circulation on the position and strength of Southern Hemispheric westerlies.
Supervisor: A/Prof. Laurie Menviel
Synopsis
Changes in the strength and position of the Southern Hemispheric (SH) westerlies significantly affect Southern Ocean circulation and the carbon cycle. While it has been hypothesised that a strengthening and/or poleward shift of the SH westerlies could have played a significant role in driving past increases in atmospheric CO2 concentration, there is little consensus as to whether these SH westerlies changes could have occurred.
Aims
The impact of different idealised changes in oceanic circulation on the strength and position of the SH westerlies will be assessed by performing numerical simulations with a climate model.
Student benefits
Through this project, the student will learn about climate dynamics as well as past climate change. The student will learn to analyse and interpret the outputs of a climate model (previous experience with data analysis is preferred) and write a scientific paper.
Get involved
To learn more about this project, contact A/Prof. Laurie Menviel