Projected Changes of Surface Winds Over the Antarctic Continental Margin

Surface winds around the Antarctic continent control coupled ocean-ice processes that influence climate system, including bottom water production, heat transport onto continental shelf and sea ice coverage. However, few studies have examined projected changes in these winds, even though it would aid interpretation understanding of ocean's response to change. Using Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 reanalysis data, we show a significant reduction near-Antarctic surface throughout historical period continues until end twenty-first century, amounting 23% 7% for easterly southerly wind components respectively under high emission scenario. The most intense weakening happens during summer season. We find is coherent with trend toward positive Southern Annular Mode pole-to-coast meridional pressure gradient, which term Index.