New Signs Indicate a Major Ocean Current Is on The Edge of Collapse Right Now

If Earth had a pulse, it might be The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) – a swirl of ocean currents that carries tropical heat north towards polar waters.

Over the past century this global heartbeat has eased, slowing to a speed not seen in more than a millennium. New research based on a range of indices has now bolstered views that the weakening isn't a trivial one, and critical transition is imminent.

The study conducted by climate scientist Niklas Boers from Freie Universität Berlin in Germany is just the latest to point out how the AMOC appears to be inching towards a major tipping point.

The consequences of a drastic and sustained weakening of the currents aren't fully understood. By some measures it might cool the planet, potentially even counteracting the worst of global warming.

But before you get too excited, this isn't necessarily the good news you'd imagine. Huge shifts in the distribution of energy and nutrients in the Atlantic's currents would have profound consequences on weather systems and ecology across Europe and the Americas, with massive economic effects on everything from agriculture to tourism.

Read the full news article on Science Alert