Vital ocean current is unlikely to completely shut down this century

image via New Scientist

February 26, 2025, 4:00 PM

• •Even under extreme warming, the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) will weaken but not collapse entirely
• •The AMOC transports warm water from the tropics northward, helping to keep northern Europe temperate
• •If the AMOC weakens by around 50 per cent, the effects on climate would be significant, with disruption to marine ecosystems, rising sea levels on North Atlantic coastlines and changes to global rainfall patterns impacting crop yields around the world

New research suggests that the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is unlikely to shut down completely this century, even under extreme warming scenarios. However, the current could weaken significantly, which would have serious impacts on climate and marine ecosystems.

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