The Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) is a major tipping element in the climate system. Here, data-driven estimators for the time of tipping predict a potential AMOC collapse mid-century under the current emission scenario.

The mean of the bootstrapped estimates of the tipping time is 〈tc〉 = 2050, and the 95% confidence interval is 2025–2095.

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Even with these reservations, this is indeed a worrisome result, which should call for fast and effective measures to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions in order to avoid the steady change of the control parameter toward the collapse of the AMOC (i.e., reduce temperature increase and freshwater input through ice melting into the North Atlantic region). As a collapse of the AMOC has strong societal implications, it is important to monitor the flow and EWS [early warning signs] from direct measurements.

  • charlytune@mander.xyzEnglish
    2·
    1 year ago

    Was that an intentional reference at the end there to the film where a sudden ice age overwhelms the northern hemisphere, cos if so, nicely done.

    • ᴇᴍᴘᴇʀᴏʀ 帝OPAEnglish
      2·
      1 year ago

      It wasn’t planned but as I was drawing to the end of the sentence I realised it would work nicely as 2025 is right around the corner. That isn’t to imply that a film based on alien-botherer Whitley Strieber’s book is an accurate prediction of future events but it amused me.