Scientists are investigating whether changes in Atlantic currents could make UK weather more volatile as global temperatures rise.
The focus is the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, or AMOC, which carries warm surface water north and returns colder water south at depth. It helps shape the climate of Britain and north-west Europe by moving heat through the Atlantic.
Most scientists expect the circulation to weaken as the planet warms, but they disagree about how far and how quickly it could change. Its effects on UK weather remain uncertain: one possibility is sharper swings, including colder winters, even while global average temperatures continue to rise.
Robotic Argo floats are gathering measurements of ocean temperature, salinity and pressure to help researchers understand the currents. The UK government has identified AMOC as a factor in the country's long-term climate risks.
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