This study examines the conditions necessary to produce a self-sustaining convective instability in the ocean using the coupled atmosphere-ocean-ice model (CAOIM). This one dimensional coupled model is used to examine the likelihood of producing such an oscillation under varying salinity perturba... Show moreThis study examines the conditions necessary to produce a self-sustaining convective instability in the ocean using the coupled atmosphere-ocean-ice model (CAOIM). This one dimensional coupled model is used to examine the likelihood of producing such an oscillation under varying salinity perturbations and boundary stress conditions such as surface sea ice movement. Previous studies show that this instability can be produced under a limited range of temperature and salinity profiles when warm salty water is found below cold and fresh water, as is the case in the Southern Ocean. CAOIM output shows no evidence of the convective oscillation given a wide range of salinity perturbations and applied surface stresses. The implications of this result are discussed in the light of previous work. Show less
