RAPID-WATCH builds on RAPID to deliver a decade-long (2004-2014) time series of observations of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (MOC). RAPID-WATCH aims to deliver a robust and scientifically credible assessment of the risk to the climate of UK and Europe arising from a rapid change in the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (MOC). The programme also assessed the need for a long-term observing system that could detect major MOC changes, narrow uncertainty in projections of future change, and possibly be the start of an 'early warning' prediction system.

The observations were used with data from other sources to:

* determine and interpret recent changes in the Atlantic MOC,
* assess the risk of rapid climate change due to changes in the MOC, and
* investigate the potential for predicting the MOC and its impacts on climate.

The objectives were:

1.To deliver a decade-long time series of calibrated and quality-controlled measurements of the Atlantic MOC from the RAPID-WATCH arrays.
2.To exploit the data from the RAPID-WATCH arrays and elsewhere to determine and interpret recent changes in the Atlantic MOC, assess the risk of rapid climate change, and investigate the potential for predictions of the MOC and its impacts on climate.

The RAPID-WATCH arrays are the existing 26 deg N MOC observing system array and the WAVE array that monitors the Deep Western Boundary Current. These measurements will continue to span the period 2004-2014.
The second objective was addressed through studies designed to answer four questions:

1.How can we exploit data from the RAPID-WATCH arrays to obtain estimates of the MOC and related variables?
2.What do the observations from the RAPID-WATCH arrays and other sources tell us about the nature and causes of recent changes in the Atlantic Ocean?
3.What are the implications of RAPID-WATCH array data and other recent observations for estimates of the risk due to rapid change in the MOC?
4.Could we use RAPID-WATCH and other observations to help predict future changes in the MOC and climate?

5 modelling projects have been funded under RAPID_WATCH.

This work will be carried out in collaboration with the Hadley Centre in the UK, and through international partnerships.

Dr Meric Srokosz is the Science Co-ordinator for the programme and Dr Val Byfield is the Deputy Science Co-ordinator. Dr. Craig Wallace is the Knowledge Transfer co-ordinator. They have established a Rapid Climate Change project office at the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton.