This Project Grant award from the National Science Foundation's Division of Polar Programs, under CFDA 47.078, provides $554,383 to The Johns Hopkins University to quantify the impact of recent changes in Southern Hemisphere wind patterns on the circulation and climate of the Southern Ocean.
The research aims to improve understanding of how variations in Southern Hemisphere westerly winds have affected the Southern Ocean over the past four decades, including ocean currents, sea ice formation, and heat/carbon exchange. Using a combination of ocean/climate modeling and observational data analysis, the project will characterize the magnitude and timescales of the Southern Ocean's response to wind changes. This knowledge will provide insights into past and future changes in the Antarctic climate system as stratospheric ozone recovery and greenhouse gas increases impact wind patterns. The funding also supports training of graduate and undergraduate students, development of educational curriculum, and engagement with local schools to broaden participation in the geosciences.
Generated 4/30/24, 2:56 PM