We have developed the first fully coupled regional model Polar-SKRIPSv2 for the Ross Sea. We use the Polar-SKRIPSv2 as published in Gossart et al. (In Prep). This coupled model uses the MITgcm model of the ocean, and the Polar version of the Weather and the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (PWRF). Our model is unique in conserving energy and can operate at the regional scale, making it the best tool to study mesoscale processes in the Ross Sea and make predictions on how variability of local wind jets above the continental shelf can impact the salinity and temperature of the ocean, and thus global thermohaline circulation. 

In this presentation, we will show a case study for the present day (forced by reanalysis) and future simulations (forced by ACCESS-ESM1.5). We focus on supposed changes in the cavity conditions and show how different future ocean forcing can re-arrange the ocean circulation on the Ross Sea Continental Shelf.