Global routes of the mid-depth meridional overturning circulation: a Lagrangian analysis

The diabatic transformations of the mid-depth meridional overturning circulation (MOC) as it exits and reenters the South Atlantic to close the Atlantic component of the cell are studied using a state estimate assimilating data into a dynamically consistent ocean model. Virtual Lagrangian parcels in the lower branch of the MOC are followed in their global tour as they return to the upper branch of the MOC.