The word "meridional" refers to something that is related to or located in the south or the southern region of something, often specifically referring to the Earth's meridians or lines of longitude. Full definition
If sluggish ocean currents (slowing of Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation) halt or redistribute, we are in for a heap of chaotic climate change mayhem. (paulbeckwith.net)
eg «These studies provide new insights on the sensitivity and response of meridional ocean circulation to melt water inputs to the North Atlantic high latitudes (e.g., Bamberg et al., 2010; Irvali et al., 2012; Morley et al., 2011) and their potential role in amplifying small radiative variations into large a climate response through dynamic changes in ocean - atmosphere interactions (e.g., Morely et al., 2011; Irvali et al., 2012; Morley et al., 2014). (realclimate.org)
We find robust relationships among seasonal and regional patterns of weaker poleward thickness gradients, weaker zonal upper - level winds, and a more meridional flow direction. (climatestate.com)