Abstract
Oceanic lee waves play an important role in dissipating wind-driven
ocean circulations and powering turbulent diapycnal mixing. Here we
investigate impacts of the greenhouse warming on global energy
conversion into lee waves using a linear theory of lee wave generation
and output from a high-resolution (0.1° for the ocean) coupled global
climate model. The global energy conversion rate into lee waves under
the historical (1930s) climate condition is estimated to be 193.0±3.0
GW. Under the high carbon emission scenario, this conversion rate is
projected to decrease by about 20% by the end of 21st century, due to
weakened bottom large-scale mean flows, mesoscale eddies and
stratification. The decrease of the conversion rate is widespread and
particularly pronounced in the Gulf Stream and Drake Passage. Our
results suggest significant response of oceanic lee waves to the
greenhouse warming, with implications for future changes of global ocean
circulations and climate.