Freshwater teleconnections and ocean thermohaline circulation

Asymmetry of the Atlantic and Pacific sea surface salinity (SSS) is recognized as an important element of the global ocean thermohaline circulation. However, a threshold of such asymmetry that may trigger a true global deep‐ocean conveyor has not yet been examined. A combined effect of the Atlantic‐Pacific and the Southern Ocean surface salinity asymmetries also has not yet been clearly shown. We address these issues and conclude that Atlantic‐Pacific SSS asymmetry is one of the most critical elements for maintaining the global ocean conveyor. Our experiments suggest, albeit preliminary, that high‐latitudinal freshwater impacts, as a mechanism of altering global ocean thermohaline circulation, may be less effective than inter‐basin freshwater communications.