TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Scientists have stated that the extreme warming in the North Pole region-particularly in the Arctic, where the temperature is increasing faster than in other parts of the world-could potentially disrupt the Atlantic ocean currents. This phenomenon poses an increased risk of a drastic rise in sea levels along the east coast of the United States.
The temperature spike in the Arctic is feared to interfere with the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), a large ocean current system that plays a critical role in the distribution of global heat and cross-continental weather patterns.
Cline Heuz, a senior climatology lecturer from the University of Gothenburg, along with a team of researchers from Norway, Sweden, Germany, and England, has highlighted the role of the Beaufort Gyre-a large Arctic water whirlpool-in maintaining the stability of the AMOC. They found that the melting of sea ice releases a large amount of freshwater, which can disrupt the balance of the system.
"The results of this study have made us concerned that the reduction of sea ice in this region could lead to a critical point where the AMOC collapses," said Heuz, quoted from Earth.com on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.
Researchers estimate that ongoing global warming could shrink the size of the Beaufort Gyre and alter the pattern of freshwater circulation in the North Atlantic. If the AMOC slows down, or even stops, the current that usually carries warm water northward will be disrupted. As a result, seawater could accumulate along the US east coast and trigger sudden floods in regions such as Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas.
The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has noted that a rise in sea levels has indeed occurred in various coastal regions. With this increase, the reach of minor storms inland has extended and the damage has become widespread.
Raffaele Ferrari, an oceanography professor from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), has referred to the potential collapse of the AMOC as a highly alarming climatic event. Ferrari stated that this condition is often imagined by scientists as a critical climate point. "An event that would cause sudden widespread impacts. It is difficult, if not impossible, to reverse," he said.
A report from the US Space Agency (NASA) supports these findings. The agency stated that the shrinking of the Arctic ice surface causes the sea to absorb more heat, accelerating melting, and releasing freshwater into the sea. If accumulated and flowed into the Atlantic, the AMOC would be heavily disturbed.
Cities such as Norfolk, Virginia, have begun taking anticipatory measures such as building pumps and floodgates. Regulators are also evaluating flood-prone zone areas. Other mitigation measures include the use of clean energy such as solar and wind power, increased energy efficiency in homes and businesses, and the conservation of wetlands to absorb high tides.
Scientists continue to monitor changes in seawater density and salinity, which could have widespread impacts on global climate. Studies from previous ice age periods indicate that sudden changes in ocean currents could have significant effects on agriculture, ecosystems, and coastal development.
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