CLIMATE DYNAMICS

AMOC Rate-Dependent Tipping Simulator

Vigorous AMOC (18.2 Sv)
Atlantic Basin Transect (Equator → Subpolar) 18.2 Sv Overturning
Phase Space (ΔSalinity vs ΔTemp) Shifting Basins (R-tipping)
Overturning Strength
18.2 Sv
North Salinity Anomaly
-0.00 psu
Thermal Contrast (ΔT)
15.00 °C
Tipping Regime
ON (Stable)
+200y
Rate-Induced Tipping (R-tipping): AMOC collapse depends strongly on how fast heat and meltwater enter the North Atlantic (dT/dt). Even when final warming is moderate, rapid acceleration prevents the salt-advection feedback from restoring buoyancy loss, causing convection shutoff.
Scenario Presets
Forcing Parameters
0.10 °C/dec
Speed of surface heating anomaly applied to subpolar Atlantic.
0.02 Sv/dec
Greenland glacial runoff & Arctic sea ice freshening flux.
+1.8 °C
Cumulative global equilibrium thermal anomaly ceiling.
Equilibrium B-Threshold: ~2.8°C warming
Dynamic R-Threshold (at 0.60°/dec): ~1.6°C warming

AMOC Rate-Dependent Tipping Explainer

Read the explanation

The Atlantic overturning circulation is driven by density differences between warm tropical waters and cold, saline subpolar sinking plumes. In the phase space of temperature and salinity gradients, a dynamic separatrix defines the boundary separating stable overturning from collapse. Selecting the abrupt preset spikes warming to zero point six degrees per decade. Because temperature equilibrates in years while salt advection lags over decades, the state vector crosses into collapse.

Super generates helpful tools and automates fact-checking across the internet proactively. If you enjoyed this tool, build your own with Super and share it with a friend.