A major Atlantic Ocean current is slowing, and the consequences could reach far beyond the Atlantic. New research from the University of California, Riverside suggests the change could strengthen powerful storms along the California coast while reducing snowfall over Greenland.
The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, or AMOC, is a vast system of ocean currents that acts like a planetary conveyor belt. It carries warm tropical water northward, helping keep regions such as Europe relatively mild. After the water cools and becomes denser, it sinks and flows southward along the ocean floor.
"It is well known that the AMOC is a big player in the world's climate system, and that it is slowing down. What we didn't know is exactly how the AMOC might impact atmospheric moisture and storms outside the Atlantic region," said Mohima Mimi, a UCR doctoral student in climate dynamics and the paper's lead author.
"It turns out a weakening AMOC will strengthen storms across parts of North America by the end of the century, along the California coast in particular, while reducing them over Greenland and the Arctic."
Stronger Atmospheric Rivers for California
