The Effect of Bathymetry Changes on Major Oceanic Currents and Overturning Circulations
Summary
We investigate the effect of changing geometries in a simple ocean general circulation model. Using highly idealized forcings we compare the situations for every 5 Million years (Ma) time step from 65Ma to the present-day situation. The present-day simulation was used as a control. The model result shows a reversal of the flow through the Panama Seaway in the early Miocene coinciding with the closure of the Thetys seaway. We also observe a system that is sensitive to the position of the Indian Continent in the Paleocene. Furthermore, we observe large differences in the thermohaline circulations in comparison to the present-day situation. Also, significant temperature fluctuations are observed in the Eocene-Oligocene boundary.