A groundbreaking study has uncovered a 300-year-old shift in the Gulf Stream’s course, which could have significant implications for global weather patterns and climate change. Researchers from the University of Southampton and Durham University used stalagmites in Bermuda caves to track changes in the ocean current over centuries.
Stalagmites, typically known for their beauty and geological interest, are now being used to study past climate patterns. By analyzing the chemical composition of these deposits, scientists can reconstruct past sea surface temperatures, providing insights into how ocean currents and regional climates have shifted over long periods.
The researchers found that during colder periods, increased wind speeds lead to more sea spray, which becomes part of the mineral deposits in the stalagmites. This method has enabled them to trace the movement of the Gulf Stream back to 1449.
Their data revealed that around 300 years ago, the Gulf Stream shifted northward, coinciding with the weakening of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). This finding suggests that the AMOC may have been weakening long before the onset of industrialization and rising global temperatures.
The researchers warn that if the AMOC continues to weaken, it could lead to significant disruptions in weather patterns across the globe. Climate models suggest that as global temperatures rise above 1.5°C, the AMOC could experience further destabilization, with some models predicting a collapse of the system within this century.
The study’s findings underscore the urgent need for understanding and addressing the long-term impacts of climate change on critical ocean systems like the Gulf Stream. The researchers emphasize that even small shifts in ocean circulation can have significant effects on regional climates, leading to devastating consequences for agriculture, natural resources, and ecosystems.
Source: https://dailygalaxy.com/2025/08/the-gulf-stream-on-the-verge-of-collapse