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Ocean response to greenhouse warming

Abstract

Changes in surface air temperature resulting from a doubling in atmospheric carbon dioxide drive changes in ocean circulation. Results from an ocean general circulation model project a global mean sea level rise from thermal expansion alone to be 19cm in 50 years. Regional values, however, can vary: a rise of 40cm is projected in the North Atlantic (owing to reduction of deep-water formation), whereas the level of the Ross Sea actually falls through changes in ocean circulation.

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Mikolajewicz, U., Santer, B. & Maier-Reimer, E. Ocean response to greenhouse warming. Nature 345, 589–593 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1038/345589a0

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