A sudden cessation of Atlantic Ocean currents could cause cold spells across much of Europe, and this scenario is closer than it seems. This conclusion was reached by scientists from Utrecht University in the Netherlands. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine Science Advances (SciAdv).
We are talking about a current system known as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). AMOC remains one of the world’s most important climate forces.
According to the scientists, modeling showed that the key factor in changing the dynamics of the AMOC was the movement of water around the southern tip of Africa. The study showed that circulation slowed, although it didn’t stop completely yet. This is due to freshwater runoff from melting Arctic ice.
“We are on the verge of collapse, but we are not sure exactly when that might happen. A tipping point is approaching,” said climate scientist Rene van Westen, lead author of the study.
The cessation of circulation would cause average temperatures in northwestern Europe to drop by between 5 and 15°C within a few decades. At the same time, the Southern Hemisphere will warm further, which will change global precipitation patterns and affect the Amazon River basin.
Previous scientists accepted Cooling in the second half of 2024 due to the weakening of the El Niño climate phenomenon.