Scientists Say a Dormant Climate Cycle Might Be Waking Up
Story by Lorand Pottino•
21h
The Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation Enters the Spotlight
The Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO), a powerful oceanic cycle that has quietly influenced Earth’s climate for centuries, is showing signs of stirring from its slumber. Researchers monitoring sea surface temperatures in the North Atlantic are reporting a subtle but unmistakable shift.
In 2025, scientists from the UK Met Office and several leading climate institutes observed patterns consistent with the early stages of a warm AMO phase. This is significant because the AMO’s warm phases have historically been linked to higher hurricane activity, warmer global temperatures, and changes in rainfall patterns across continents.
The most recent satellite observations reveal persistent warming across much of the North Atlantic, supporting these predictions. Changes in ocean circulation, specifically the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, seem to be a key driver behind this shift.
As Professor Hannah Field from the University of Leeds put it, “The signals we’re seeing now are eerily similar to those observed before past AMO warm phases.” Many in the climate science community are watching with a sense of nervous anticipation.
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