北大西洋洋流正在減緩
North Atlantic ocean current is slowing down
Updated at: June 16, 2026 at 08:15 AM
大西洋經向翻轉環流(AMOC)是一種至關重要的洋流，其運作方式宛如全球輸送帶。
The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, or AMOC, is an essential ocean current that functions like a global conveyor belt.
它將熱水與鹹水從熱帶輸送至北大西洋，藉此調節溫度、運送養分並穩定全球氣候型態。
By moving warm, salty water from the tropics to the North Atlantic, it regulates temperatures, transports nutrients, and stabilizes global climate patterns.
然而，近期科學觀測顯示，這個至關重要的系統正在減緩。
However, recent scientific observations suggest this vital system is slowing down.
隨著氣候變遷加速了格陵蘭島等地冰層的融化，大量淡水湧入北大西洋。
As climate change accelerates the melting of ice sheets, such as those in Greenland, vast amounts of fresh water flow into the North Atlantic.
這種稀釋現象降低了海水密度，使洋流更難以下沉並延續其循環週期。
This dilution reduces the water's density, making it harder for the current to sink and continue its circulation cycle.
雖然科學家普遍認同該環流在本世紀內很可能會減弱，但對於我們距離危險的「臨界點」有多近，存在重大爭議。
While scientists generally agree that a weakening trend is likely throughout this century, there is significant debate regarding how close we are to a dangerous 'tipping point.'
若AMOC潛在崩潰，可能會造成嚴重的全球後果，包括西歐地區冷卻、降雨型態異常以及海平面加速上升。
A potential collapse of the AMOC could have severe global consequences, including regional cooling in Western Europe, erratic rainfall, and accelerated sea-level rise.
