Antarctic fusion will jeopardize ocean currents by 2050
- The rapid melting of ice in Antarctica continues, which can have serious consequences in areas such as the dramatic slowdown of deep ocean currents. This would have serious consequences for ecosystems and climate, according to a study published by Nature in late March.
This fact has long been known, but according to a study by a group of Australian researchers, it is confirmed that the phenomenon is accelerating. In Antarctica every year billions of liters of marine cold water are dropped from the surface to the depth of the sea, generating a stream that has much to say in the climate of our planet and in other areas.
This water is very salty and rich in oxygen, and it's headed towards the Pacific, the Indian and the Atlantic, creating huge deep ocean currents. This movement favors ocean circulation of heat, carbon, oxygen and nutrients.
But this stream of water is in a poor state. Ice melting has reduced salinity in Antarctic waters. The water has less salt and, therefore, less density, more difficult to dive in the sea cliffs -- which decreases the speed of the deep current.
Current collapse
If greenhouse gas emissions were to remain as they have been so far, within 30 years this trend could be reduced by 40%, according to researchers' estimates. Thus, the current journey can "go towards collapse," according to Matthew England, a professor of climatology at the University of New South Wales, to the Guardian newspaper. This can lead to major changes in the Earth ' s climate for the coming centuries.
In the same sea, less than 4,000 meters deep, this ocean stream would begin to dampen and stop climbing. This would lead, among other things, to the halting of nutrients in the deep ocean, affecting ecosystems that live near the surface, leading to the disappearance of many species. I mean, many marine ecosystems can starve to death. The ocean can also store less heat and carbon, which can accelerate global warming.
The study by England and its group, published by the journal Nature, shows that by 2050 the attenuation effect will be very intense, at least if greenhouse gas emissions are not significantly reduced.
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