The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) plays a crucial role in regulating Earth's climate, but recent research from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) suggests it may be more stable than previously thought.
In a study published in Nature Communications, scientists analyzed data over the last 60 years and found no evidence of AMOC weakening. This challenges earlier studies that indicated a decline over the past 70 years, primarily based on surface water temperature measurements.
Researchers utilized 24 different climate models to examine heat exchange between the ocean and atmosphere, revealing that AMOC stability is linked to this exchange rather than surface temperatures. With a stronger AMOC, more heat is released into the atmosphere in the North Atlantic.
According to Nicholas P. Foukal from WHOI, the findings imply that AMOC has not weakened, providing a more optimistic outlook regarding its future. Linus Vogt from Sorbonne's Oceanography and Climate Laboratory emphasized that the AMOC is not nearing a tipping point as previously suggested.
This research is significant as it reshapes our understanding of ocean dynamics and their impact on climate change.