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← GeographyWhich mechanism most directly weakens the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) when Greenland's ice sheet melts?
A)Increased freshwater input reducing density✓
B)Decreased salinity raising seawater viscosity
C)Increased solar radiation warming ocean surface
D)Decreased sea ice formation limiting convection
💡 Explanation
When Greenland's ice sheet melts, increased freshwater input decreases seawater density because freshwater is less dense than saltwater, reducing the sinking of surface water in the North Atlantic and slowing the AMOC. Therefore reduced density is the primary weakening mechanism, rather than viscosity changes, solar radiation impacts, or altered sea ice which have secondary or opposing effects.
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