Potential Collapse of Atlantic Ocean Current Could Release Massive Carbon
Potential Collapse of Atlantic Ocean Current Could Release Massive Carbon
US · Published Apr 14, 2026
The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is weakening due to global warming, potentially leading to its collapse.
An AMOC collapse could release up to 640 billion tonnes of CO2 from the Southern Ocean, increasing global temperatures.
The stability of the AMOC is critical for maintaining a stable climate and preventing severe environmental changes.
AMOC collapse threatens major carbon release
The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), a crucial ocean current system including the Gulf Stream, is threatened by global warming caused by human carbon emissions. This system is vital for regulating global temperatures, particularly in Europe. A potential collapse of the AMOC could trigger a massive release of carbon dioxide from the deep Southern Ocean, exacerbating climate change.
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