Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC)

The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is a crucial part of Earth's climate system, involving large-scale ocean currents that transfer warm and cold water across the Atlantic Ocean. Warm, salty water from the tropics moves northward along the surface, heating Europe's climate. As it reaches the North Atlantic, the water cools and becomes denser, sinking into deeper layers. The cold, deep water then flows southward, eventually rising again in different regions. This continuous cycle helps regulate global climate, distribute heat, and influence weather patterns. Changes in AMOC can impact climate stability and have been linked to climate change effects.