Atlantic 'cold blob' south of Greenland may signal weakening of key ocean current system

A patch of ocean south of Greenland and Iceland has cooled by nearly 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit (about 1°C) since 1900, forming what scientists call a "cold blob." A new study suggests this is a sign that the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) — a crucial ocean current system — is weakening. A further slowdown of AMOC could significantly alter Earth's climate, potentially cooling Western Europe.

More on this topic

💡 Did You Know Greenland meltwater will weaken Atlantic currents by an extra 10–20% by 2100, but won't shut them down Live Science · 7d ago 🔬 Science Scientists warn AMOC ocean current system may already be past the point of no return Gizmodo · 19d ago 🔬 Science Collapse of AMOC ocean current may already be inevitable, scientists warn New Scientist · 22d ago

More on this topic

💡 Did You Know Greenland meltwater will weaken Atlantic currents by an extra 10–20% by 2100, but won't shut them down Live Science · 7d ago 🔬 Science Scientists warn AMOC ocean current system may already be past the point of no return Gizmodo · 19d ago 🔬 Science Collapse of AMOC ocean current may already be inevitable, scientists warn New Scientist · 22d ago