Summary
We perform a theoretical study of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) by means of a conceptual mathematical model in the form of a scalar delay differential equation (DDE) with two time delays. The time delays are associated with the positive temperature feedback between the Equator and the North Pole, and the salinity exchange between the surface and deep water at the Pole, respectively. Studying the interplay between these two delayed feedback mechanisms is a way to gain a conceptual understanding of the long-term dynamics and possible responses of the Atlantic Ocean. Specifically, we perform a numerical bifurcation analysis of the DDE model with the software package DDE-Biftool for Matlab. Our analysis shows rich behaviour organized by homoclinic orbits, as well as a new ’locking’ phenomena between the delays.
