Weakening Ocean Current Raises Sea Levels in Northeastern U.S., Worsening Flood Risks

• Weakened Ocean Current Raises Sea Levels
• Flooding Rises in the U.S.
• Coastal Risk from Climate Change

A major Atlantic Ocean current system is rapidly weakening and is already contributing to rising sea levels along the northeastern coast of the United States, according to a new scientific study.

The research shows that the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is responsible for up to 50% of the coastal flooding recorded between 2005 and 2022 in the region.

This system acts like a massive conveyor belt, moving heat, salt, and freshwater throughout the ocean—directly influencing both climate and global sea levels.

The AMOC includes key currents such as the Gulf Stream, and its weakening has had immediate effects along northeastern U.S. coasts, particularly in states like New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts.

AMOC Weakens Natural Coastal Barriers

The study, published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, used advanced ocean modeling combined with tide gauge data to measure the AMOC’s impact on flooding.

Researchers found that the weakening of this current has raised sea levels along the continental shelf, causing up to eight additional flood days per year.

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According to Liping Zhang, a scientist at NOAA’s Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory, this is the first time a clear, measurable link has been established between AMOC and the increased frequency of extreme flood events.

While sea level rise is widely recognized as one of climate change’s major impacts, this new finding shows that it’s not solely due to melting glaciers or direct global warming.

Rising Risks and Alarming Predictions

Water density plays a critical role: when the AMOC is strong, cold, dense deep waters take up less space.

When it weakens—as it is now—warmer, less dense water expands and elevates sea levels.

David Thornally, professor of ocean sciences at University College London, explained that a weaker AMOC also disrupts the Gulf Stream, causing water to pile up along the coast.

This means that northeastern coastal cities are now threatened not only by stronger storms but also by a slow, invisible process that brings the ocean closer to shore more frequently.

Severe Human Impact

The climate models used in the study can forecast coastal flood levels in the region up to three years in advance, potentially guiding future adaptation strategies.

Zhang warns that the human toll is significant, as coastal flooding dramatically alters the environment, damages infrastructure, and endangers lives.

Thornally emphasized that such studies are vital for understanding how seemingly minor ocean changes can lead to devastating real-world consequences.

He urged a shift in perception—from seeing AMOC collapse as the stuff of apocalyptic movies like The Day After Tomorrow, to recognizing its real and measurable effects.

The Uncertain Future of the AMOC

The study’s models have been praised for their accuracy, though researchers caution that no simulation can fully replicate the complexity of the real ocean.

Gerard McCarthy, an oceanographer at Maynooth University in Ireland, said this research improves confidence in predicting extreme sea level events in the Northeast.

Recent studies have already warned that the AMOC may be heading toward severe weakening in the coming decades.

Global warming, ice melt, and changes in ocean salinity are destabilizing this critical system and pushing it toward collapse.

While the exact timing remains uncertain, scientists agree that such an event would have devastating global consequences for climate, ecosystems, and human societies.

That’s why researchers are urgently calling for attention to these silent but powerful changes that are already reshaping our coastlines, as noted by CNN.