Ocean circulation is getting close to a “devastating” tipping point. This is why it is terrible news for all people.
The circulation of the Atlantic Ocean has been approaching a tipping point which is bad news for the climate system and mankind.
The research’s investigators reported that they were taken aback by the predicted rate of collapse when the tipping point was achieved. They did however, caution that it is currently impossible to forecast when the tipping point will be reached.
The researchers have created an early warning signal to comprehend the collapse of the massive ocean current system known as the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (Amoc) which is crucial to controlling the global climate. They have done this by utilizing historical data and computer models.
It was discovered by the researchers that Amoc is already headed for a sudden change. There hasn’t been a shift like this in over 10,000 years and it would have disastrous effects on large portions of the planet.
Amoc is a significant marine conveyor belt that carries heat, nutrients, and carbon from the tropics to the Arctic Circle. Where it sinks and cools into the deep ocean. It includes the Gulf Stream’s portions as well as other strong currents.
The Atlantic Ocean’s churning contributes to the Earth’s energy distribution and reduces the effects of human-caused global warming.
But as Greenland’s glaciers and the Arctic Circle’s ice sheets melt more quickly than anticipated freshwater is entering the ocean and obstructing the south’s flow of warmer, saltier water, weakening the system.
