An analysis of the imprint of the global ocean circulation on AMOC dynamics and surface climate during the time period 1958-2014

The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is a key component of the climate system with far-reaching effects on global climate. Here, we investigate the influence of ocean basins beyond the Atlantic on both AMOC dynamics and surface climate variability, using simulations with the coupled climate model MPI-ESM-LR. We apply an AMOC upwelling pathways framework to quantify the influence of the Indo-Pacific and Southern Ocean on AMOC strength over the 58-year time period 1958-2014 in three model setups: a historical simulation, an atmosphere-only assimilation, and a coupled atmosphere-ocean assimilation. Through regression analysis, we reveal the relationship between the AMOC upwelling pathways in the different ocean basins and sea-surface temperature (SST). Preliminary results show distinct SST patterns on a global scale for each setup, suggesting teleconnections between the AMOC and its upwelling components, and global surface climate dynamics. By comparing the different model setups, we assess the impact of the assimilation of observational data on the representation of the AMOC, the SST and their relationship, and improve our understanding of the role of the AMOC as part of the global climate system.