After record heat, could the Atlantic make Britain's weather even more extreme?
Summary
Scientists are studying a major ocean current system called the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), which moves warm water north and cold water south in the Atlantic Ocean. There are signs the AMOC is weakening due to climate change, which could cause more extreme weather in the UK and north-west Europe, such as colder winters and changes in storms and rainfall.Key Facts
- The AMOC is a huge system of ocean currents that moves warm water toward the Arctic and cold water southward deep in the ocean.
- This current influences the climate in the UK and north-west Europe by moving heat and affecting weather patterns.
- Scientists use robotic devices called Argo floats to collect data on ocean temperature, salt levels, and pressure to study the AMOC.
- Climate change is likely causing the AMOC to weaken, though experts disagree on how fast or how much it will change.
- Some studies suggest the AMOC could collapse or shift suddenly, but others say it may decline more slowly or reorganize.
- A weaker AMOC could bring colder, drier winters and more unpredictable weather to the UK and north-west Europe, despite global warming.
- The AMOC carries about 50 times the total energy humanity uses, showing its huge impact on the climate system.
- Changes in the North Atlantic, such as cooling patches and altered water salinity, may be signs of the AMOC changing.
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