Detection of Lagrangian Coherent Structures in oceanic flows

Abstract

The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is a complex system of shallow and deep currents in the Atlantic Ocean which plays a crucial role in the regulation of the Earth's climate. Lagrangian Coherent Structures (LCS) are geometric objects existing in the extended phase space of dynamical systems which organise the flow around them. Currently there exist several methods for the detection of LCS. We describe and discuss the use of Lagrangian descriptors as a tool for detecting LCS and apply it in the case of the AMOC to study and identify relevant transport pathways. We successfully identify the main components of the AMOC and their interactions and observe new convective regions off the coast of the United States and the Grand Banks of Newfoundland.