The
Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (
AMO) is an ocean current that is thought to affect the
sea surface temperature of the
North Atlantic Ocean based on different
modes on multidecadal timescales. While there is some support for this mode in models and in historical observations, controversy exists with regard to its
amplitude, and in particular, the attribution of sea surface temperature change to natural or
anthropogenic causes, especially in tropical Atlantic areas important for hurricane development.