The AMOC influences global and regional temperature and precipitation patterns by regulating heat near Earth’s surface. The effect of this movement of heat is most pronounced in northwestern Europe, where the warm waters of the eastern North Atlantic help to warm the region more than the average of other areas at similar latitudes. Meanwhile, the prevailing westerly winds carry relatively warm air and the moisture it entrains deep into the continent.
How does the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) affect climate?
What factors contribute to the weakening of the AMOC?
The weakening of the AMOC is attributed to freshwater inputs from melting glaciers, especially in Greenland, and Earth’s natural climate variability. As global warming continues, Greenland’s glaciers will continue to melt, adding increasing amounts of fresh water to the AMOC. The additional fresh water slows the circulation by reducing the salinity (and thus the density) of surface water, inhibiting its ability to sink, which weakens the mechanism that ultimately drives the current.
