THE THERMOHALINE CIRCULATION AND TROPICAL CYCLONES IN PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE CLIMATES

Abstract

Understanding the interactions between tropical cyclones and the thermohaline circulation (THC) and their contributions to climate and climate change is an intriguing, challenging, and important area of research. The oceanic overturning circulation is a slow process whereas tropical cyclones are a fast process, and both may be subject to abrupt or long-term changes. The Early Career Scientist Association’s Junior Faculty Forum explored ways to incorporate modeling, observations, and geologic reconstructions into understanding these interacting components of the climate system in past, present, and future climates. Following an extensive review of the current level of knowledge, including plenary talks by invited speakers, the bulk of the meeting was dedicated to two parallel discussion sessions focusing on the oceanic overturning circulation and tropical cyclones.