Exploring the nations paving the way for the future of AI
So far, measurements have shown that the AMOC does vary from year to year. It is likely that these variations have had an impact on the weather in certain places.
Since 2004, oceanographers have been monitoring the AMOC to see if it changes. A key question is whether the AMOC can be expected to slow down in years to come.
While they cannot be certain about the details, experts do believe that there were probably some drastic changes in the AMOC in the past (for example, around the time of the last Ice Age).
Before 2004, the AMOC was only measured a few times, and to go back even further researchers have to rely on indirect evidence, such as sediments on the ocean floor.
However, the entire circulation cycle of the AMOC is very slow. It is estimated to take 1,000 years for a single cubic meter of water to make the full journey.
However, it is too soon to say whether there are any long-term trends: there is simply not enough data.
The AMOC also plays an important role in helping control and manage the planet's marine ecosystems.
Without this process, there would be no way to distribute heat and energy properly around the Earth, and we would not experience climate as we know it.
Although it may be slow, the circulation process of the AMOC is nonetheless very important: it is this process that ensures the world's oceans are continuously mixed.
This entire circulation process happens on a massive scale: the AMOC is estimated to move 17 million cubic meters of warm water north every second.
The AMOC is responsible for bringing warmth to various parts of the globe. Indeed, it is vital in regulating the temperature of Earth.
The cool, dense water then sinks deep into the ocean, where it gradually spreads southwards below the ocean surface.
This distributes around 1.2 petawatts of heat, which is equivalent to the amount of energy that flows through one million power stations.
So, how exactly does it work? The process starts when the warm water near the surface of the ocean moves northwards towards the North Pole.
These are driven by changes in the saltiness and temperature of the oceanwater, in a process called thermohaline circulation.
There are various complex systems that carry these slow currents, but the most important one is the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC).
As the water moves northwards it cools, eventually forming sea ice. As the sea ice forms, it leaves salt in the water, meaning the water becomes denser.
When we think about ocean currents, we tend to think about the ones that are visible to the naked eye. Tidal currents, for example, occur close to shore and are influenced by the sun and the moon.
Eventually the cool, dense water gets pulled back up to the surface in a process called "upwelling," and the circulation process is complete.
There are also surface currents, which are influenced by the wind. However, many of us ignore the much slower currents that occur from the surface of the ocean to its floor.
This is because if greenhouse gases continue to increase and the atmosphere continues to warm, the surface of the ocean will retain more of its heat.
As a result, the sinking effect of the water will be reduced, and the AMOC will become weakened. In fact, some experts are concerned that it may completely collapse.
However, according to the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) WGI report, there is "medium confidence" that there will not be an abrupt collapse before 2100.
Even if the AMOC does not collapse, a weakened circulation system could still have far-reaching impacts for the climate.
As previously mentioned, research scientists do not yet have enough evidence to predict whether the AMOC will weaken or even collapse over the course of the 21st century.
However, one thing is certain: if either one of those scenarios does in fact occur, there will be far-reaching consequences for the climate as we know it.
Sources: (National Ocean Service) (Met Office) (BBC)
Most people do not give a lot of thought to ocean currents until they are at the beach. Of course, nobody wants to be awoken from a beach slumber by a rushing wave that drenches all of their belongings. However, ocean currents are much more than a mere nuisance. In fact, there is one very important, long-term ocean current that plays an important role in regulating the Earth's climate.
Curious? Check out this gallery to find out more.
AMOC: the ocean current that regulates our weather
And how climate change may affect it
LIFESTYLE Climate
Most people do not give a lot of thought to ocean currents until they are at the beach. Of course, nobody wants to be awoken from a beach slumber by a rushing wave that drenches all of their belongings. However, ocean currents are much more than a mere nuisance. In fact, there is one very important, long-term ocean current that plays an important role in regulating the Earth's climate.
Curious? Check out this gallery to find out more.