Stochastic Synchronization in an Oceanic Double Gyre

Abstract

Following the recent acknowledgement of a synchronization and stochastic resonance coupling phenomenon, which is known as stochastic synchronization, there have been no further studies conducted in relation to the ocean circulation. Therefore, this study investigates the responses of the oceanic double gyre to external wind forcing with red noise using a 1.5 layer quasi-geostrophic model, and then considers the possibility of stochastic synchronization in the ocean circulation. Results show that by adding red noise to external forcing, synchronization can occur within a parameter range in which it does not occur without noise. These results suggest that potential signals in the system are amplified and appear as synchronization in relation to the added noise, and that stochastic resonance therefore occurs.