Warming oceans are a major concern for the health of the planet. One issue is possible slowdown of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). Water from the Caribbean makes its way north, where it becomes colder and saltier—and therefore heavier. Newly sinking (heavier) water pushes oceanic currents toward Europe, warming that continent. These cooling currents make their way back down to the Caribbean, and the cycle begins again. Melting glaciers cause the ocean to become less salty, potentially disrupting a major controller of climate in the Northern Hemisphere.

Melting Glacier