Interannual and decadal variations of shallow meridional overturning cells in the Indian Ocean

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Decadal variations of shallow meridional overturning cells in the Indian Ocean and their possible mechanisms are investigated using results from a high-resolution ocean general circulation model and a series of sensitivity studies with simplified numerical models. It turns out that the southern tropical cell is divided into two parts. A northern part, north of 10°S, is strongly affected by variations of wind stress curl over the Indian Ocean and weakened(strengthened) during 1990s(2000s). On the other hand, a southern part between 10°S and 30°S strengthened(weakened) during 1990s(2000s). The Indonesian throughflow may be an important factor affecting the variations in the southern part of the southern tropical cell.