If you haven’t read it yet If you’ve heard of it before, you’re now learning more about the Atlantic Meridion. This ocean current system, which carries water from the southern tip of South America up the Atlantic Ocean, through the tropics, to the coast of Iceland, and back south, plays a key role in stabilizing the Earth’s climate. It keeps northern Europe’s winters relatively mild, provides nutrients for marine life, and brings much-needed rain for agricultural systems in equatorial regions.
Researchers who study the AMOC say the system is showing signs of instability and could shut down completely — and it could happen quickly. If the ocean currents slow down or stop, it could cause massive ecological disasters, including severe cold snaps, the collapse of food systems and region-wide droughts.
This week, WIRED Features Editor Sandra Upson joins us to talk about the AMOC, the research being done on it, and what might happen to life on Earth if ocean currents reach a tipping point.
Show Notes
Read Sandra Upson’s WIRED feature “When will the Atlantic break? Two scientific brothers try to answer it, and it’s shocked the world” about researchers who have studied the AMOC and estimate that the current could break down in the next 30 years or so. Read our previous articles on AMOC research: The research sparked the current debate about when the AMOC might reach a tipping point.
Recommendations
Sandra suggests watching cheesy reality TV shows as a casual, fun study aid in the language you’re learning. Mike recommends Brat Summer—IYKYK. Lauren recommends this book. trend By Susan Casey. The science, joys, and terrors of big waves.
Sandra Upson can be found on social media @sandraupson. Lauren Good can be found at @Lauren GoodMichael Carole is @snackfight. The main hotline is @Gadget LabThe show is produced by Boone Ashworth (@).Boone Ashworth). Theme music is by Solar Keys.
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