Atlantic Ocean currents influence the climate, and new research suggests they may be weakening. (Photo: Nicholas Forder)
A mysterious patch of water in the North Atlantic has long puzzled scientists. The patch, southeast of Greenland, was colder between 1901 and 2021 compared to the late 1800s, even as the surrounding waters were warming.
Some researchers have linked the “heat hole” to an influx of cold meltwater from the Arctic, while others point to pollution from shipping, which can reflect the sun’s rays back into space. But a growing body of evidence suggests that the cause of the hole may be more serious — with consequences that, if released, could reach far beyond a small area of the North Atlantic.
The heating hole could signal a slowdown in the Atlantic Ocean currents. This network of currents controls Earth's climate by transporting heat from the tropics to the Northern Hemisphere. Currents like the Gulf Stream form a huge and seemingly stable loop known as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC).
Science Spotlight takes a closer look at evolving science and provides our readers with much-needed perspective on these discoveries. Our articles highlight trends in various fields, how new research is changing established ideas, and how scientific advances are transforming the way we see the world.
The AMOC has weakened in the past, as shown by ancient sediments, and some changes in circulation have been dramatic. But human societies will struggle to adapt to the rapid pace of change that many scientists predict over the next century, said Robert Marsh, a professor of oceanography and climate at the University of Southampton in the UK.
Sourse: www.livescience.com
