The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC)

The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) propels warm surface water to high-latitude regions. There, the water encounters strong winds and cold air temperatures, which causes it to become colder and denser. This cold, dense water sinks into the deep ocean and then is conveyed back southward at depth, creating a conveyorbelt-like loop. (Illustration by Eric S. Taylor, © Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)