Ocean current 'collapse' could trigger 'profound cooling' in northern Europe
10 days ago
- #extreme-weather
- #climate-change
- #ocean-currents
- A collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) could cause severe winter cooling in northern Europe, even with global warming.
- Under an intermediate emissions scenario, greenhouse gas-driven warming may not offset the cooling from an AMOC collapse, leading to extreme winter temperatures.
- Winter extremes could reach -20°C in London and -48°C in Oslo, driven by reduced heat transfer from ocean currents and expanded sea ice.
- The study models AMOC collapse under different warming scenarios, focusing on long-term impacts rather than predicting when a collapse might occur.
- Europe might be the only region to experience cooling in a warmer world if AMOC collapses, with dramatic seasonal temperature swings.
- The research highlights the need for societal and infrastructural preparedness for extreme cold events in northern Europe.
- Scientists debate the current state and future of AMOC, with some evidence suggesting it is on a trajectory toward tipping.
- The study uses advanced climate models to explore combined effects of AMOC collapse and global warming, but acknowledges uncertainties and model limitations.