Synergy of In Situ and Satellite Ocean Observations in Determining Meridional Heat Transport in the Atlantic Ocean

The meridional overturning circulation (MOC) is a major driver in global redistribution of heat, which modulates climate and weather. Altimeter sea surface height measurements situ hydrographic data are combined this work to derive monthly synthetic temperature salinity (T/S) profiles along zonal transbasin sections both the North (26.5°N) South (20°S, 25°S, 30°S, 35°S) Atlantic Ocean since 1993, then used estimate MOC heat transport (MHT). Consistent with previous studies, results indicate that MHT highly correlated at all five latitudes. At 26.5°N mean from (1.09 ± 0.21 PW) slightly lower than RAPID-MOCHA-WBTS array (1.20 0.28 PW), but their interannual variabilities show good agreements. Both geostrophic Ekman components contribute significantly variability, component dominating during 1993–2004 2005–2014. In Atlantic, seasonal cycle strengthens southward 20°S 34.5°S. On time scale, 25°S experiences larger variations 30°S 34.5°S, part due fact together strengthen changes, while they tend against each other Results shown here suggest integrating different observing platforms provides better means near real time.