Summary of AMOC and Its Impact on Climate

Introduction

• The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is a major ocean current moving water, heat, and nutrients between the northern and southern hemispheres.
• Understanding changes in the AMOC due to climate change is challenging.

AMOC Characteristics

• Functions as a global conveyor belt, influencing Earth's climate and marine ecosystems.
• Facilitates temperature exchange, nutrient transport, and influences weather patterns globally.

Climate Change and AMOC

• Rising temperatures may alter AMOC's flow.
• Melting Arctic ice impacts salinity levels, potentially disrupting the AMOC's function.

Challenges in AMOC Research

• Slow cycle: Water takes around 1,000 years to complete a full AMOC circuit.
• Limited direct monitoring (since 2004) hampers understanding and prediction.

Role of Clams in Climate Research

• Clams like Hafrun provide long-term climate records through their growth rings.
• These records help reconstruct past AMOC disturbances and correlate with climatic events like the "Little Ice Age."

Importance of Clam Research

• Clam rings provide insights into AMOC changes and potential future climate shifts.
• Understanding historical patterns aids in recognizing warning signs of AMOC changes.

Conclusion

• Clams offer valuable data for predicting climatic impacts of changes in the AMOC.
• Improved understanding can lead to better responses to climate threats.