Atlantic Ocean Circulation On Brink Of Collapse, Threatens Climate Stability

According to a new study, the Atlantic Ocean’s circulation is moving toward a tipping point, which is terrible news for the climate system and humanity. The scientists who conducted the research mentioned that they were shocked to see the likely forecast speed of collapse when the tipping point is hit.

However, they also added that it wasn’t possible yet to understand how soon the tipping point could be hit. By making use of past data as well as advanced computer models, the researchers have reportedly developed an early warning indicator for understanding such a breakdown of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (abbreviated as the Amoc), which is a vast system of ocean currents and is also a key component in climate regulation.

The researchers have discovered that Amoc is moving toward an abrupt and unforeseen shift. Such a change has not occurred in over 10,000 years and would also have massive implications for some of the significant parts of the globe. Amoc encompasses parts of the Gulf Stream as well as other strong currents. It is a central marine conveyor belt comprising nutrients, carbon, and heat from the tropics toward the Arctic Circle, where it sinks and cools into the ocean.

Churning of the Atlantic Ocean aids in the distribution of Energy

The Atlantic Ocean’s churning aids in distributing energy all over the Earth and modulates the effect of global heating caused by humans. The system, however, is undergoing erosion by the quicker-than-preempted melt-off of the glaciers situated in Greenland and ice sheets in the Arctic Circle that provide freshwater into the sea and obstruct the sinking of saltier and warmer water from the south.

Right since 1950, Amoc has declined 15% and reached the weakest state in over a millennium, per previous studies that prompted speculation regarding a potential collapse. Until now, there wasn’t any consensus regarding how severe this might be. Per research last year based on the changes in sea surface temperature, it had been estimated that the tipping point could be between 2025 and 2095.

The UK’s Met Office mentioned that rapid changes in the Amoc were doubtful in the 21st century. Per the paper, the results offered a clear reply about whether such a sudden shift was possible. This is unfortunate news for humanity and the climate system. Until now, one can think that Amoc tipping was merely a theoretical notion and that tipping would go away as soon as the climate system, with its additional feedback, was considered, it stated.

Reference: WION

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