School of Mathematics

New model demonstrates the effect of eddies on ocean current and climate

A recent article published in the Journal of Geophysical Research co-authored by James Maddison of the School of Mathematics proposes a new mathematical model for the impact of eddies on the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, the fast, turbulent ocean current that circles around Antarctica. The model provides an explanation for the surprising observation that the speed of this current is largely insensitive to the strength of the winds that generate it. This has implications for the response of the ocean to climate change. The article is highlighted in the 'Research Spotlight' section of EOS, the American Geophysical Union's popularisation magazine, which gives a non-technical account of the research.