Scientists Sound Alarm About Terrifying Ocean Event That Could Bring Global Devastation

Its collapse would have devastating consequences, causing severe droughts, Europe to freeze, sea levels to rise and the ocean – a critical carbon sink – would not take in as much of the greenhouse gases produced by our fossil fuels.

The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, also known as the AMOC, is a system of deep ocean currents that acts as the Earth’s central heating system. It sends warm water north and cold water south within the Atlantic Ocean, bringing warmth to various parts of the globe.

As a part of the global conveyor belt – a constantly moving system of deep-ocean circulation driven by temperature and salinity – it also carries nutrients necessary to sustain ocean life. Currents slow when more fresh water is injected into the ocean. Fresh water is less dense than the salt water that helps drive them.