Southern Ocean Current Reverses for First Time, Signalling Risk of Climate System Collapse

Southern Ocean current reverses for first time, signalling risk of climate system collapse

A major ocean current in the Southern Hemisphere has reversed direction for the first time in recorded history, in what climatologists are calling a “catastrophic” tipping point in the global climate system.

Major reversal in ocean circulation detected in the Southern Ocean, with key climate implications | Institut de Ciències del Mar

Reversal of the Southern Meridional overturning circulation

"We are witnessing a true reversal of ocean circulation in the Southern Hemisphere—something we've never seen before" explains Antonio Turiel of ICM-CSIC. "While the world is debating the potential collapse of the AMOC in the North Atlantic, we're seeing that the SMOC is not just weakening, but has reversed. This could will have unprecedented global climate impacts." (PNAS)