AMOC slowdown + abyssal warming
Key Questions
What is the SCOTIA array and how does it relate to climate monitoring?
The SCOTIA array has collected ocean data from 2004 to 2024 to track the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) slowdown and abyssal warming. It forms part of broader efforts to monitor critical climate indicators in the deep ocean.
What plans did the Trump administration have for ocean monitoring programs?
The administration proposed dismantling the Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI), which threatened continued data collection from key arrays like SCOTIA. This move prompted bipartisan backlash in Congress and was later reversed by the NSF.
What are the consequences of losing data from US ocean observatories?
A recent Nature Climate Change study estimates that losing US data would increase error rates in AMOC tracking by 163%. Some data loss has already occurred despite the policy reversal.
What other efforts support continued ocean observation?
The National Academies issued a supporting statement, while the EU's OceanEye program provides a $92 million budget as a counterbalance. These initiatives help mitigate risks from US funding uncertainties.
What is the latest status of the OOI program?
The NSF has reversed its earlier plans to dismantle the OOI following Capitol Hill pressure, marking a positive development for long-term monitoring. However, the program faced temporary disruptions during the decision process.
SCOTIA array 2004–2024. Trump administration ocean monitoring cuts (OOI dismantling) threatened continued tracking—now reversed, but some data loss already occurred. New Nature Climate Change article quantifies 163% error increase if US data lost. National Academies statement and EU OceanEye $92M budget provide counterweight. Today's OOI reversal is a major positive development.