New research suggests a weakening Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation could intensify storms along the California coast while reducing snowfall over Greenland.
Key facts
- •The AMOC is a system of ocean currents that moves warm tropical water toward the North Atlantic.
- •A weaker AMOC is projected to increase the intensity of atmospheric rivers along the California coast by the end of the century.
- •The study predicts fewer storms and reduced ice accumulation for Greenland and the Arctic.
- •Increased atmospheric river activity is also expected along the eastern coast of South America and around Antarctica.
- •The research suggests that reducing greenhouse gas emissions could lessen the current's influence on future weather patterns.
A study from the University of California, Riverside, indicates that the slowing of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) may significantly alter global weather patterns. Researchers found that this weakening could strengthen atmospheric rivers hitting the California coast by the end of the century, while simultaneously decreasing storm activity and snowfall over Greenland and the Arctic.
Impact on Atmospheric Moisture
The AMOC functions as a planetary conveyor belt, transporting warm tropical water northward. As it slows, the resulting changes in ocean temperatures affect the atmosphere's moisture-carrying capacity and strengthen high-altitude winds that guide storms across the Northern Hemisphere. These shifts are projected to drive more moisture toward the West Coast of North America.
Consequences for Water Resources
Atmospheric rivers are essential for California's water supply, but their intensification poses a risk of severe flooding and infrastructure damage. While the study suggests these changes could lead to more destruction, researchers noted that improved forecasting and expanded storage systems might allow communities to capture additional water from these stronger events.
Climate Modeling and Emissions
The findings, published in Nature Communications, are based on a high greenhouse gas emissions scenario. Scientists have observed that the AMOC is already slowing due to human-caused climate change. Senior author Wei Liu stated that reducing greenhouse gas emissions could limit the impact on the AMOC and mitigate future changes to rainfall patterns.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by ScienceDaily.
