On the Representation of Mediterranean Overflow Waters in Global Climate Models

Abstract Accurate representation of the Atlantic–Mediterranean exchange in climate models is important for a reliable simulation circulation North Atlantic Ocean. We evaluate performance 10 global representing Mediterranean Overflow Water (MOW) over recent period 1986–2005 by using various metrics. The metrics are based on climatological mean state and spatiotemporal variability temperature, salinity, volume transports. On basis analyses observations, we perform model ranking calculating absolute, relative, total relative errors E j each metric model. majority simulate at least six well. equilibrium depth MOW, flow, dominant pattern MOW represented reasonably well most models. Of those considered, MPI-ESM-MR, MPI-ESM-LR, CSIRO Mk3.6.0, MRI-CGCM3 provide best ( = 0.14, 0.19, 0.25, respectively). They thus likely to be suitable choices studies MOW-dependent processes. However, experience transport biases do not represent temporal accurately. implications our results future analysis Sea overflow discussed.