Antarctic meltwater is driving the slowdown of a vital deep ocean water current in the Southern Ocean, with global implications for both marine ecosystems and the climate., said the circulation of Antarctic bottom water is likely to reduce by around 40 per cent by 2050.
Projections show the Southern Ocean overturning could decline by more than 40 per cent by 2050. This model is based on the world's current emissions.The implications of the Antarctic equivalent are vast and while the world is unlikely to see the rapid "deep freeze" shown in the blockbuster film, scientists are concerned.
A slowdown would reduce carbon uptake, drive feedback changes to further ice melt, and see the tropical rain band shift from the equator.The deep ocean current originates in Antarctica and tracks nutrient and oxygen rich waters northwards into a network of oceans.
Ice on earth has been melting since the last ice age.