Story perspectives

AMOC Weakens 10% in Two Decades, Models Underestimate Risks

4/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Researchers at Miami and a European team linked the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) slowdown to freshwater influx, noting a 10 % weakening over 20 years and half-strength loss by 2100.
Researchers said models underestimate the decline, projecting a 50 % slowdown that raises risk this century.
Experts warned that a weaker AMOC could cool the Atlantic, intensify winter storms, reduce Sahel and South Asia rainfall, and raise northeast coast sea-level rise.

1 of 1

Story summary

Researchers at Miami and a European team linked the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) slowdown to freshwater influx, noting a 10 % weakening over 20 years and half-strength loss by 2100.
Researchers said models underestimate the decline, projecting a 50 % slowdown that raises risk this century.
Experts warned that a weaker AMOC could cool the Atlantic, intensify winter storms, reduce Sahel and South Asia rainfall, and raise northeast coast sea-level rise.