Antarctic Ice Melt Threatens to Weaken World's Strongest Ocean Current by 2050

New research shows a 20% decline in the Antarctic Circumpolar Current could disrupt global climate and ecosystems.

Freshwater from melting Antarctic ice is projected to weaken the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) by 20% under a high-emissions scenario by 2050.
The ACC, the planet's strongest ocean current, distributes heat, carbon, and nutrients globally, playing a critical role in regulating Earth's climate.
Advanced modeling indicates that meltwater disrupts the density-driven mechanisms powering the ACC, contradicting earlier predictions of its strengthening.
A weaker ACC could allow invasive species to migrate to Antarctica, disrupt marine ecosystems, and accelerate ice shelf melting and sea-level rise.
Researchers emphasize that reducing greenhouse gas emissions could mitigate ice melting and help preserve the stability of this vital ocean current.