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UK Winters Could Plummet as Ocean Current Collapses
9 Jan
Summary
- AMOC collapse could plunge London into -20°C winters.
- Scotland may face over five frozen months annually.
- Global warming destabilizes ocean currents affecting weather.
Scientists are warning that UK winters could become significantly colder, despite global warming, if a key ocean current known as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) collapses. This massive current, often described as an ocean 'conveyor belt,' is responsible for transporting warm tropical waters to the northern hemisphere, moderating temperatures in regions like the UK.
The AMOC's stability is threatened by climate change. Increased melting of glaciers and ice caps introduces more freshwater into the North Atlantic, while rising ocean temperatures prevent the water from cooling and becoming dense enough to sink. This disruption could lead to a significant slowdown or complete collapse of the AMOC, potentially causing extreme temperature drops in Europe.
If the AMOC were to collapse, projections suggest London could face winter temperatures as low as -20°C, and Scotland might endure over five months of freezing conditions annually. While the exact timing of such a collapse remains uncertain, some studies indicate a considerable risk within decades, underscoring the profound and sometimes counterintuitive impacts of climate change on global weather systems.
