Antarctic Ice Melt Slows World Strongest Ocean Current Raising Climate Alarm
The Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) world's strongest ocean current now slowing down due to unchecked melting of the Antarctic ice sheet. This powerful current flows from west to east around Antarctica plays a crucial role in regulating global climate and ocean circulation.
A team of researchers from the University of Melbourne analyzed high resolution ocean and sea ice simulations to assess how changing temperature, salinity and wind conditions are affecting ocean currents. Their findings published in Environmental Research Letters suggest that the influx of freshwater from melting ice is significantly weakening the ACC.
Associate Professor Bishakhdatta Gayen said "The ocean is extremely complex and finely balanced, If this current ‘engine’ breaks down there could be severe cons...