AMOC. This rather abstract term designates, in fact, something very important: “Atlantic meridian overturning circulation”. Simply put, it is a system of currents present in the Atlantic Ocean, which plays an essential role in the transport of heat from the tropics to the north, explains the talk. But if global warming were to disrupt this circulation, what would happen? We will soon find out.
Previous studies suggest that this circulation has reached a dangerous tipping point (a critical threshold beyond which the system can change abruptly and irreversibly) in the past. This point could be reached again in the coming decades due to global warming and melting ice. Scientists have recently simulated this disaster scenario to find out the consequences.
Cascading reactions
The results show that we are moving towards a complete termination of the AMOC within 100 years of reaching the tipping point. “If this happens, average temperatures in North America, parts of Asia and Europe will drop by several degrees.” Communicate details.
Indeed, in normal times, relatively warm and salty surface waters flow towards Greenland. Known as the Gulf Stream, it is this current that brings heat to Europe and the North American continent. If it stops, climate change will occur suddenly. For example, some parts of Norway will see temperatures drop by more than 20 degrees Celsius.
These disruptions will also cause cascading reactions around the world and push other ecosystems closer to their own tipping points. “When will this threshold be reached?” Scientists cannot give a definite answer to the big question. “It seems counterintuitive to worry about extreme cold when the planet is warming.”, the media notes. Yet this is what awaits us.
