Tropical Ocean to Southern Ocean Coupling: Indonesian Throughflow and Weddell Sea Bottom Water

Explore the intricate connections between the Indonesian Throughflow (ITF) and Weddell Sea Bottom Water (WSBW) in this comprehensive conference talk. Delve into the complex geography of the Maritime Continent and the Interocean Exchange 'conveyor belt', examining how tropical Pacific water flows into the Indian Ocean. Investigate the formation of Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) and its spread across the ocean floor. Analyze decadal-long time series data of the Makassar Strait Throughflow (MST) and WSBW export, uncovering seasonal and interannual variability patterns. Examine the impacts of the 2015 El Niño event on MST relaxation and subsequent rebound. Explore the significant changes in WSBW during 2015-2016, including anomalous salinity decreases and their potential causes. Consider the role of wind stress curl over the Weddell Gyre in these changes. Evaluate the potential coupling between ITF and WSBW, focusing on the synchronous occurrence of a strong positive Southern Annular Mode (SAM) and positive nino3.4 in 2015-2016 and their effects on tropical and Southern Ocean wind fields.