The Atlantic meridional overturning circulation, or Amoc, is a huge movement of water in the Atlantic Ocean. Warm water travels north from the tropics toward Greenland. There, it cools, becomes heavier, sinks to great depth, and later flows south again. This current helps move heat and salt across the ocean. Recent studies suggest that Amoc is weakening, although scientists still do not know exactly how fast it may change. If it slows further, northern Europe could face much colder winters even as the planet warms. Tropical monsoon patterns could shift, and sea levels could rise along the US east coast. One reason Amoc stays out of the news is that it is hard to picture, because it happens far below the surface.
scienceIntermediate1 min read6/19/2026
The Atlantic current that is difficult to show
Amoc is a deep Atlantic current that moves heat north and returns south at depth. Studies suggest it is weakening. Scientists warn that a bigger slowdown could bring colder winters in northern Europe, change tropical monsoons, and raise sea levels along the US east coast.
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