From The Ocean Depths To Abrupt Climate Change - Missing Processes In The Global Overturning Circulation

海洋环流的翻转是巨大而突然的气候变化的驱动因素。我们的目标是了解控制翻覆速度的因素，以及由于全球变暖，它是否会很快减缓或停止。我们还致力于通过调和深海中理论和测量的混合率来解决海洋学中最大的难题之一。提高对深海动力学的认识，特别是对南大洋的认识，将有助于我们衡量澳大利亚地区即将发生的气候变化的可能性质和速度，这是评估对水资源、生态系统、农业和能源需求影响的重要一步。这项研究将为澳大利亚国立大学海洋科学领域的一项重大新举措增添新的内容。

The overturning circulation of the oceans is a driver of large and surprisingly abrupt climate shifts. We aim to understand the factors that control the rate of overturning, and whether it might soon slow down or cease owing to global warming. We also aim to resolve one of the biggest conundrums in oceanography by reconciling theoretical and measured rates of mixing in the deep ocean. Improved knowledge of deep ocean dynamics, particularly in the Southern Ocean, will help us gauge the likely nature and pace of imminent climate changes in the Australian region, an essential step in assessing the impacts on water resources, ecosystems, agriculture, and energy demands. The research will add to a major new initiative in marine science at ANU.