Lyapunov exponents of a simple stochastic model of the thermally and wind-driven ocean circulation

A reformulation of the simple model of the thermally and wind-driven ocean circulation introduced by Maas [Tellus 46A (1994) 671] is considered. Under a realistic range of forcing parameters, this model displays multiple attractors, corresponding to thermally direct and indirect circulations. The fixed point associated with the thermally direct circulation is unstable for a broad range of parameters, leading to limit cycles and chaotic behaviour. It is demonstrated that if weather variability is parameterised as stochastic perturbations to the mechanical and buoyancy fluxes, then the leading Lyapunov exponent of the circulation can become positive for sufficiently strong fluctuations in parameter ranges where it is deterministically zero. If the fluctuations are sufficiently small that the stochastic trajectories are not too far from the deterministic attractor, it is demonstrated that the sign of the leading Lyapunov exponent can have a substantial effect on the predictability of the system.