Melting Antarctic Ice Threatens to Slow World’s Strongest Ocean Current
New research predicts a 20% slowdown of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current by 2050 if carbon emissions remain high, with significant global climate and ecological impacts.
- The Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC), the planet's strongest ocean current, is projected to slow by up to 20% by 2050 due to freshwater influx from melting ice sheets.
- Freshwater from Antarctic ice dilutes ocean salinity, disrupting the sinking of cold, dense water that drives the ACC and global ocean circulation.
- A weaker ACC could lead to more extreme climate variability, reduced ocean carbon absorption, and accelerated global warming.
- The slowdown may also disrupt Antarctic ecosystems, enabling invasive species to spread and threatening biodiversity, including penguin populations.
- Researchers emphasize the need for international efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and further study the ACC's response to climate change.
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Study Finds 