Scientists say that the Atlantic Ocean's circulation is at its lowest ebb in a millenium. Part of that circulation is the warm Gulf Stream, responsible for bringing mild winter weather to the northeast Atlantic coast and northern Europe. The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is braking down probably caused by global warming according to new data. AMOC will further weaken if global heating is not reduced, expected to reach a 34% to 45% reduction by the end of the century. That level is close to a tipping point of irreversable instability, that would cause an increase in severe storms and heatwaves in Europe. Sealevels on the US east coast would also rise. The AMOC is Earth's biggest ocean circulatory system. This north-south circulation is accompanied by winds which bring mild, wet weather to Ireland, Great Britain, and western Europe in winter. A scientist with the British Antarctic Survey said the AMOC has a "pofound influence" on global weather making evidence of its weakening significant.
Predictions that the AMOC would be weakened by global warming are longstanding. The new data confirms that hypothesis, and indicates the circulation has been reduced by 15% so far. Researchers responsible for the latest study of the AOMC say the tipping point of collapse will not happen soon, but the chances it could occurr this century without a reduction of global heating are increasing.