Atlantic Ocean Current Collapse More Likely Than Previously Thought, Study Warns
New research published in Science Advances indicates that the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is significantly more likely to collapse than earlier models suggested. Led by Dr. Valentin Portman from the Centre de Recherche Bordeaux Sud-Ouest, the study combines real-world ocean observations with computer models to predict a catastrophic slowdown of 42 to 58 percent by 2100, making eventual collapse almost inevitable within the next few decades. This potential shutdown poses severe global risks, including extreme cold winters and summer droughts in Europe, disrupted tropical rainfall patterns affecting agriculture in Africa and the Americas, and significant sea-level rises. While a previous study in Nature suggested wind-driven upwelling might prevent total collapse this century, experts emphasize that even a weakened AMOC would cause serious economic and environmental damage. The findings highlight the urgent need to address climate change impacts on critical ocean systems that regulate global weather patterns.
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Atlantic Ocean Current Collapse More Likely Than Previously Thought, Study Warns
New research published in Science Advances indicates that the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is significantly more likely to collapse than earlier models suggested. Led by Dr. Valentin Portman from the Centre de Recherche Bordeaux Sud-Ouest, the study combines real-world ocean observations with computer models to predict a catastrophic slowdown of 42 to 58 percent by 2100, making eventual collapse almost inevitable within the next few decades. This potential shutdown poses severe global risks, including extreme cold winters and summer droughts in Europe, disrupted tropical rainfall patterns affecting agriculture in Africa and the Americas, and significant sea-level rises. While a previous study in Nature suggested wind-driven upwelling might prevent total collapse this century, experts emphasize that even a weakened AMOC would cause serious economic and environmental damage. The findings highlight the urgent need to address climate change impacts on critical ocean systems that regulate global weather patterns.
independent