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Articles on Ocean circulation

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Icebergs that break off from Greenland’s glaciers carry enormous amounts of fresh water that can affect Atlantic currents. Hubert Neufeld via Unsplash

Is collapse of the Atlantic Ocean circulation really imminent? Icebergs’ history reveals some clues

If the ocean circulation, known as AMOC, shuts down, it would be a climate disaster, particularly for Europe and North America. New research shows why that might not happen as soon as some fear.
Too much fresh water from Greenland’s ice sheet can slow the Atlantic Ocean’s circulation. Paul Souders/Stone via Getty Images

Atlantic Ocean is headed for a tipping point − once melting glaciers shut down the Gulf Stream, we would see extreme climate change within decades, study shows

Scientists now have a better understanding of the risks ahead and a new early warning signal to watch for.
The Weddell Sea helps power the great ocean conveyor, which moves heat, carbon dioxide and nutrients around Earth’s ocean basins. Janelle Lugge/Shutterstock

Slowing deep Southern Ocean current may be linked to natural climate cycle – but that’s no reason to stop worrying about melting Antarctic ice

Freshening seawater around Antarctica is disrupting a global ocean conveyor which regulates the climate.
Boston got socked with nearly 2 feet of snow in late January 2022. Scott Eisen/Getty Images

Why a warming climate can bring bigger snowstorms

Winters are getting warmer, yet Bostonians were digging out from nearly 2 feet of snow from a historic blizzard in late January. Why is the Northeast seeing more big snowstorms like this?

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