Illustration representing the Equatorial Undercurrent

The scientists model revealed a potential change in how the EUC would operate in a warmer world: As temperatures rise and equatorial trade winds weaken, the Pacific surface current would weaken by 15 percent by 2100. The weaker surface current would impose less friction and drag on the EUC, so this deeper current would strengthen by 14 percent. (Illustration by Amy Caracappa-Qubeck, © Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)