A weakening Atlantic Ocean current system could accelerate Earth's warming
A current system in the Atlantic Ocean that shapes regional climates and distributes ocean nutrients also serves as a control knob to help regulate temperatures across the planet, new research has found.
A key global ocean current system called the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) plays a crucial role in regulating Earth's temperatures, according to new research. This current acts like a heat valve, controlling the heat budget of the planet. During periods of strong AMOC, the global ocean and planet lose heat; when the AMOC is weak, the ocean and planet gain additional heat.
The AMOC has been strong for the past 11,700 years, but climate models predict future weakening due to human-caused climate change. This weakening would amplify warming across the planet, with the most direct impact being cooling in the North Atlantic and surrounding regions, including Greenland. However, a new study reveals that when the AMOC weakens, heat builds up in the ocean interior instead of being simply redistributed between hemispheres.
This results in a net increase in heat stored by the global ocean. The AMOC acts as a spigot, controlling how much heat can flow out of the ocean. While future weakening of the AMOC is likely, studies suggest it may not lead to an irreversible collapse. This research highlights the importance of understanding past AMOC changes to better comprehend potential future climate shifts.
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