Jan Saynisch-Wagner (GFZ Potsdam)

Ocean signals in the Earth’s magnetic field (OceanMag)

Due to their ability to store and release large amounts of heat, the global oceans are a crucial part of Earth's climate system. In addition, the oceans store salt which makes them a good electric conductor. Characteristic electromagnetic (EM) signals are the result. Traditionally, EM signals from ocean tides and ocean circulation are studied separately. Both signals are sensitive to different physical properties of the oceans. While the EM anomalies of the ocean circulation originate in ocean velocity changes, the EM ocean tide anomalies are dominated by ocean temperature changes. In the proposed project we aim to use tidal and circulatory EM observations together, i.e., synergetically, to derive information of the ocean. Global circulation signals were characterized and assimilated during OceanMag-I. In this proposal (OceanMag-II) we want to characterize and assimilate the ocean tidal signals. In the end we aim for a joint inversion of both systems. Throughout the project, findings will be validated against independent, in parts proxy-based observations.