Melting glaciers release freshwater into the ocean, and this water is less dense than salt water – so it reduces the amount of water sinking near Antarctica, slowing the ocean currents. Slowing of the deep circulation could have impacts for the climate, sea level rise, and ocean ecosystems. A recent study projected a slowdown of the Antarctic overturning by 40% by 2050, and this new research confirms this change is already occurring.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2023/05/26/antarcticas-deep-ocean-circulation-is-slowing-down-expert-reaction/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=antarcticas-deep-ocean-circulation-is-slowing-down-expert-reaction