A major Atlantic Ocean current system that helps regulate Earth’s climate has been slowing for nearly two decades across a wide stretch of ocean, according to new research—potentially reshaping weather patterns across the globe.
A major Atlantic Ocean current system that helps regulate Earth’s climate has been slowing for nearly two decades across a wide stretch of ocean, according to new research—potentially reshaping weather patterns across the globe.
The findings from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science-led research team offer some of the clearest direct observational evidence yet that the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is weakening, helping scientists refine their understanding of ongoing climate changes and improve projections of future impacts.
“A weaker AMOC can shift weather patterns, potentially leading to more extreme storms, changes in rainfall, or colder winters in some regions,” said Shane Elipot, a senior author of the study and physical oceanographer at the Rosenstiel School. “It can also influence sea-level rise along coastlines, affecting communities and infrastructure.”
The researchers analyzed long-term data from four ocean monitoring arrays along the western boundary of the North Atlantic, spanning the tropics to higher latitudes. Using seafloor-anchored instruments that continuously record pressure, temperature, density, and currents, the team applied a consistent approach across all sites—using changes in bottom pressure to estimate deep ocean flow below about 1,000 meters. Comparing these measurements over time and across locations allowed them to identify long-term trends in the strength of the overturning circulation.
Read More: University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science
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