An assessment of deep steric height variability over the global ocean

摘要: [1] An ocean state estimate constrained by most available data is explored to assess characteristics of variability in deep steric height—a mostly unobserved quantity, yet important for understanding the relation between sea level, heat content and other climate parameters. Results are based on monthly-averaged height anomalies, vertically integrated over “unobserved” (below ∼1700 m). Excluding linear trends, typically 10–20% that upper ocean, with larger values seen extensive regions. Enhanced variability, at monthly interannual time scales, occurs areas strong eddy energy. Deep signals thermosteric nature, halosteric contributions tightly correlated generally compensating Atlantic Indian oceans adding Pacific. Potential inference from knowledge hampered poor correlations, regressions fail represent estimated variability. Monthly sampling ∼2° scales would allow best determination long term trends.