The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation is weakening and has collapsed in the distant past

A weakened Gulf Stream would raise sea levels on the Atlantic coast of the US

North

Atlantic

Equator

Warm surface water carried north from the equator

Cold, low-salinity deep water carried south

A weakened Gulf Stream would raise sea levels on the Atlantic coast of the US

North Atlantic

Warm surface water carried north from the equator

Cold, low-salinity deep water carried south

Equator

Guardian graphic. Source: Noaa, S Rahmstorf et al from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)