A recent report by Intellinews claimed that the Southern Ocean current has reversed for the first time, indicating a potential collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). This report referenced a flawed press release from El Institut de Ciècies Del Mar, leading to confusion about the study’s findings.
While NOAA describes AMOC as critical for ocean circulation, research from PNAS noted changes in surface salinity in the South Seas rather than current reversals. Evidence shows increasing salinity and decreasing sea ice, suggesting ongoing climate change but not a direct reversal in ocean currents. The researchers, including Alessandro Silvano, emphasized the need for more accurate communication about these findings. Mistranslations and misused quotes contributed to the misinformation, which has raised concerns but not confirmed a current direction change.
Overall, while the report’s claims about a reversal are inaccurate, the observed trends potentially indicate an ongoing feedback loop that could exacerbate climate impacts.
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