The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, shown here, serves as a conveyor belt that transports heat and pulls carbon from the atmosphere into the deep ocean.(Credit: R. Curry, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution/Science/USGCR) By Roni Dengler Massive volumes of water circulate throughout the Atlantic Ocean and serve as the central drivers of Earth’s climate. Now researchers have discoveredContinue reading “Major Study Rewrites the Driving Source of Atlantic Ocean Circulation”
Author Archives: afortin3
Climate change might not slow ocean circulation as much as thought
Observations over 21 months cast doubt on ideas of what drives Atlantic Ocean ‘conveyor belt’ By Carolyn Gramling New findings from an international ocean observing network are calling into question the long-standing idea that global warming might slow down a big chunk of the ocean’s “conveyor belt.” The first 21 months of data from sensors mooredContinue reading “Climate change might not slow ocean circulation as much as thought”
Ocean mixing that drives climate found in surprise location
By SETH BORENSTEIN WASHINGTON (AP) — One of the key drivers of the world’s climate is an area in the North Atlantic Ocean where warmer and colder water mix and swirl. When scientists went for their first close look at this critical underwater dynamo, they found they were looking in the wrong place. By hundredsContinue reading “Ocean mixing that drives climate found in surprise location”
A surprising new picture of ocean circulation could have major consequences for climate science
By Chris Mooney Some experts say the Atlantic Ocean circulation is already slowing down — but we’re just beginning to learn how it really works. It may be the biggest wild card in the climate system. Scientists have long feared that the so-called “overturning” circulation in the Atlantic Ocean could slow down or even halt dueContinue reading “A surprising new picture of ocean circulation could have major consequences for climate science”
How Climate Change Could Jam The World’s Ocean Circulation
BY NICOLA JONES Scientists are closely monitoring a key current in the North Atlantic to see if rising sea temperatures and increased freshwater from melting ice are altering the “ocean conveyor belt” — a vast oceanic stream that plays a major role in the global climate system. Susan Lozier is having a busy year. From May toContinue reading “How Climate Change Could Jam The World’s Ocean Circulation”
Atlantic Current Strength Declines
By Quirin Schiermeier More data are needed to determine whether the slowing is a result of human-induced climate change The marked slowdown in the past decade of the warm Atlantic Ocean currents that bring mild weather to northwestern Europe may be caused by natural variation and not anthropogenic climate change, as has been previously suggested. TheContinue reading “Atlantic Current Strength Declines”