AMOC stands for Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation. The AMOC circulates water from north to south and back in a long cycle within the Atlantic Ocean. A recent article in Nature Communications warns of a forthcoming collapse of the AMOC.
Description: System of ocean currents in the Atlantic Ocean, redistributing warm and cold water globally.
Critical Role: Influences Europe and North America’s climate, moderates temperatures near the Equator.
Speed: Slow circulation; takes around 1,000 years for water parcels to complete the journey.
Potential Collapse of Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC)
- Studies: Recent findings suggest a collapse between 2025 and 2095 due to human-induced emissions.
- First Tipping Element: May be the initial tipping point among 16 climate tipping elements.
- Significance: Collapse may disrupt ocean circulation worldwide.
Tipping Elements in Earth’s Climate System
- Definition: Critical thresholds in climate systems, signifying irreversible large-scale shifts.
- Examples: Greenland and Antarctic ice sheet loss, Amazon rainforest shifts, Arctic sea-ice shrinkage, AMOC weakening.
Impact of Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation Collapse
- Domino Effect: Collapse could trigger instability in other climate systems.
- Potential Effects:
- Amazon Rainforest: May stabilize or turn dry due to increased tropical heat.
- Sahel/West African Monsoon: Altered wind flow from AMOC could impact monsoon establishment.
- West Antarctic Ice Sheet: Heat retention from AMOC collapse could expedite ice sheet melting.
The collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) poses a significant risk, potentially impacting global climate systems and initiating a domino effect that affects crucial ecosystems and climate patterns worldwide.
