Evolution of water masses in a spin up integration of an isopycnic ocean global circulation model

A 60-year spin up with MICOM is described. Maximum meridional heat transport is 1.5 PW at 12 ^oN globally, and 0.75 PW at 18 ^oN in the Atlantic. It is found that detrainment, entrainment and convection control the seasonal cycle of the mixed-layer, whereas diapycnal mixing dominates in the deep, leading to ventilating of the bottom waters.