Study Warns of Environmental Risks from Atlantic Current Weakening
研究警告大西洋洋流減弱帶來的環境風險
更新於: 2026年7月29日 上午04:15
The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, or AMOC, acts as a vital conveyor belt for our planet, carrying warm water from the tropics to the North Atlantic.
大西洋經向翻轉環流，簡稱AMOC，是我們地球至關重要的輸送帶，將熱帶地區的溫暖海水輸送到北大西洋。
This circulation is essential for regulating global climates, from European winters to monsoon seasons in Africa.
這種環流對調節全球氣候至關重要，影響範圍從歐洲的冬季到非洲的季風季節。
However, new research confirms that the AMOC is currently at its weakest point in over 1,600 years.
然而，最新研究證實，AMOC目前處於一千六百多年來最弱的狀態。
Human-driven climate change.
人類活動導致的氣候變遷。
As Arctic ice melts and water warms, the ocean becomes less dense, making it harder for the water to sink and drive the circulation cycle.
隨著北極冰層融化與海水變暖，海洋變得較不濃稠，導致海水較難下沉並推動循環週期。
While scientists debate the severity—with some models predicting a potential collapse and others suggesting a more moderate decline—all agree that a weaker AMOC poses major risks.
雖然科學家對於嚴重程度仍有爭議——部分模型預測可能崩潰，而其他模型則認為是較溫和的衰退——但所有人皆同意，AMOC變弱會帶來重大風險。
The potential consequences are widespread: accelerated sea-level rise along North American coasts, intensified storm systems affecting the U.S.
潛在後果廣泛：北美海岸的海平面加速上升、影響美國西岸的風暴系統加劇，以及因降雨模式改變而導致嚴重的農業中斷。
Far from being a local Atlantic issue, its slowdown reminds us that our global climate system is deeply interconnected, and small changes in one ocean can trigger dramatic shifts worldwide.
