In a study published in the journal Science Advances, researchers have pinpointed a crucial warning sign that could signal the collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), a vital ocean current regulating Northern Hemisphere climate.
The study suggests that a decline in freshwater flow into the Atlantic Ocean at 34 degrees south latitude could precede an AMOC collapse by approximately 25 years. This decrease in freshwater influx destabilizes the circulation, leading to potentially severe consequences for global climate systems. While the current proximity to a tipping point remains uncertain due to limited observational data, climate models reveal a concerning negative trend in freshwater flow. This decline underscores the urgency of addressing climate change to mitigate the risk of catastrophic disruptions to Earth’s climate systems.
The potential collapse of the AMOC would have far-reaching impacts, including significant cooling in Europe by as much as 10 degrees Celsius within a century. Additionally, disruptions to global precipitation patterns could occur, emphasizing the need for urgent action to safeguard against the destabilization of critical ocean currents.
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