Rapid Climate Change
Society is performing a giant experiment on humanity's life-support system. Climate can and does change rapidly - sometimes in as little as 10-20 years.
The Rapid Climate Change programme (RAPID) explores what causes rapid switches in climate, focusing mainly, though not exclusively, on the Atlantic Ocean's thermohaline circulation.
Until recently, scientists' understanding of this vital part of the oceans' heat circulation system relied on sporadic measurements and theoretical results. The RAPID programme has changed that, providing unprecedented insight into the oceans through continuous monitoring from instruments stretching across the Atlantic from western Africa to Miami. NERC has now committed £16·1m to ensure six more years of measurements under the RAPID-WATCH follow-up programme.