Increasing Evidence of AMOC Weakening Across the North Atlantic

Science Advances, 8 April 2026

Observations from four long-term underwater monitoring arrays in the North Atlantic show evidence of a weakening in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) over the past two decades. These observations show a consistent decline in deep western overturning transport – a measure of large-scale ocean circulation that reflects the strength of the AMOC. This weakening has been strongest along the western boundary of the North Atlantic Ocean, although measurements show strengthening circulation along its eastern boundary. Because of these opposing trends, total AMOC changes may appear smaller than the decline observed in the North Atlantic’s western boundary alone. Continuous monitoring of both the western and eastern sides is necessary to fully understand and predict long-term changes in the AMOC and the implications for the climate system.

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