The global adjustment of the thermocline in response to deepwater formation
is studied in a single-mode model on a beta-plane. The signal is carried f
rom ocean to ocean by Kelvin waves, which travel equatorward along western
boundaries, eastward across the equator, poleward at the eastern boundaries
, and then eastward around the southern tip of continents into the next oce
an basin. The interior is filled by Rossby waves emanating from eastern bou
ndaries. Stronger (weaker) deepwater formation induces an upward (downward)
motion of the main thermocline in the world oceans. The adjustment is comp
leted on centennial time scales.