Invigorating ocean boundary current systems around Australia during 1979–2014: As simulated in a near‐global eddy‐resolving ocean model

Ocean boundary currents around Australia have significantly strengthened from 1979 to 2014, according to simulations using a near-global eddy-resolving ocean model. This study reveals that major current systems—including the East Australian Current (EAC), Indonesian Throughflow (ITF), Leeuwin Current, South Australian Current, and Flinders Current—have intensified, aligning with observational data. The strengthening is primarily driven by large-scale wind patterns linked to climate variability, such as the phase shift of the Inter-decadal Pacific Oscillation and poleward shifts in subtropical gyres. These changes have led to extreme oceanographic conditions, including marine heatwaves off Ningaloo Coast (2011–2013) and ecosystem shifts along Australia's east coast. Understanding these trends is critical for projecting future coastal marine system changes under greenhouse gas forcing.

Feng, M., Zhang, X., Oke, P., Monselesan, D., Chamberlain, M., Matear, R., & Schiller, A. (2016). Invigorating ocean boundary current systems around Australia during 1979–2014: As simulated in a near‐global eddy‐resolving ocean model. Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, 121(5), 3395–3408. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/2016jc011842