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Onshore intensification of subtropical western boundary currents in a warming climate

Author

Listed:
  • Haiyuan Yang

    (Ocean University of China
    Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center)

  • Haihong Guo

    (Ocean University of China
    Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center)

  • Zhaohui Chen

    (Ocean University of China
    Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center)

  • Wenju Cai

    (Ocean University of China
    Laoshan Laboratory
    Xiamen University
    Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Lixin Wu

    (Ocean University of China
    Laoshan Laboratory)

  • Jinzhuo Cai

    (Ocean University of China)

  • Tao Geng

    (Laoshan Laboratory)

  • Zhao Jing

    (Ocean University of China
    Laoshan Laboratory)

  • Bolan Gan

    (Ocean University of China
    Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center)

  • Xiaohui Ma

    (Ocean University of China
    Laoshan Laboratory)

  • Yingying Wang

    (Ocean University of China)

Abstract

Subtropical western boundary currents (WBCs) refer to swift narrow oceanic currents that flow along the western edges of global subtropical ocean basins. Earlier studies indicated that the WBCs are extending poleward under a warming climate. However, owing to limited observations and coarse resolution of climate models, how greenhouse warming may affect the zonal structure of the WBCs remains unknown. Here, using seven high-resolution climate models, we find an onshore intensification of the WBCs in a warming climate. The multimodel ensemble mean of onshore acceleration ranges from 0.10 ± 0.08 to 0.51 ± 0.24 cm s−1 per decade over 1950–2050. Enhanced oceanic stratification associated with fast surface warming induces an uplift of the WBCs, leading to the projected change. The onshore intensification could induce anomalous warming that exacerbates coastal marine heatwaves, reduces ability of the coastal oceans to absorb anthropogenic carbon dioxide and destabilizes methane hydrate stored below the sea floor of shelf regions.

Suggested Citation

  • Haiyuan Yang & Haihong Guo & Zhaohui Chen & Wenju Cai & Lixin Wu & Jinzhuo Cai & Tao Geng & Zhao Jing & Bolan Gan & Xiaohui Ma & Yingying Wang, 2025. "Onshore intensification of subtropical western boundary currents in a warming climate," Nature Climate Change, Nature, vol. 15(3), pages 301-307, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcli:v:15:y:2025:i:3:d:10.1038_s41558-025-02258-5
    DOI: 10.1038/s41558-025-02258-5
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