OPEN-AMOC
OPEN-AMOC
The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is a key system of ocean circulation. In the North Atlantic Ocean, surface water is cooler and saltier than the Tropics. This makes it more dense, and the difference in densities pulls warm near-surface water from the tropics northward (the Gulf stream) and cold dense water from the Arctic southward (the North Atlantic Deep Water).
AMOC may be at its weakest in the last millennium, meaning the system is not as effective at transporting heat and salt. This is concerning as possible changes to AMOC create uncertainties about future climate change. Unfortunately, unlike resources for climate change, models for AMOC are far less accessible. However, it is gradually becoming more recognised amongst the wider populus, in part thanks to increasingly common news articles on the topic.
Open-AMOC is a continually evolving project to create and investigate computer models of AMOC to understand the potential weakening of this important ocean system. Founded December 1st 2021, this work has since been used by hundreds of independent researchers, private and public organisations across 24 countries. All of our software is free to use, edit and share when cited appropriately.
This project is designed for those of all backgrounds, including those new to oceanography, programming hobbyists and experienced scientists. As such, if you would like to learn more about AMOC before diving into our software, please visit the Further Reading, Recommended Lectures or Terminology tabs. You may also choose to learn about a model produced by Henry Stommel in 1961 via the Online Models tab. Otherwise, feel free to investigate or improve upon the new model of AMOC produced for the Open-AMOC project in the For Python or For Windows tabs!