Dynamics of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation. Part 1: Buoyancy-forced response

► Dynamics of the meridional overturning circulation (MOC) driven by buoyancy forcing. ► We compare solutions to an analytic variable-density layer model and an OGCM. ► Kelvin-wave adjustment deepens the eastern-boundary thermocline towards the north. ► Rossby-wave damping establishes a zonal pressure gradient that drives the MOC. ► Our solutions explain the dynamics of MOC-transport scalings inferred from OGCMs.