A Guide to the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation
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Provided by: Probable Futures|Published on: May 13, 2026
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Scientist Reviewed This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This article provides a comprehensive, accessible overview of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), explaining the role of this major ocean current system, why it is weakening due to climate change, and the implications of its potential collapse.
- The article ends by describing the collapse of this current system as a tipping point and warns of the irreversibility of such an event.
Subjects: Earth and Space Sciences
Authors: Alison Smart, Charlotte Venner
Region: Global
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Prerequisites:
- Ensure students are well-versed in climate change impacts, such as ocean warming and glacial melt.
Classroom Implementation:
- Have students read this article in preparation for a discussion about the destabilization of the AMOC and its resulting impacts.
- Before reading, use a world map to show students the position of London and Quebec City at similar latitudes but very different climates.
- After reading, have students construct a systems diagram showing how the AMOC connects the atmosphere, ocean, ice, and land, and label the feedback loops that could cause destabilization.
Related Resources:
- Use this video to introduce six more climate tipping points.
This article discusses the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). It explains what the AMOC is, how it affects and balances climates around the world, and how climate change will affect the circulation. The information presented is accurate, and this resource is recommended for teaching.
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Probable Futures
Probable Futures offers useful tools and maps to visualize climate change along with stories and insights to help people understand what those changes mean.
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
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