2024-07-14 23:10:21
Researchers at University College London (UK) have found that the Gulf Stream, a vital stream of warm water, may be particularly vulnerable to climate change.
Global warming could disrupt the Gulf Stream – which could drop Europe’s temperatures by up to 15 degrees Celsius, a new study suggests.
The Gulf Stream is a surface current that flows along the east coast of the United States, then crosses the Atlantic Ocean to Europe, bringing warm tropical water here. This warm water releases heat into the atmosphere and warms Europe.
Some studies have already shown that, based on models, the ocean currents that determine our planet’s climate are weakening.
But to understand how a major shift in climate conditions might affect the Gulf Stream in the future, scientists had to look far back in time.
In a study published in the journal Nature found that during the last Ice Age (about 20,000 years ago), the Gulf Stream was stronger than it is now because of stronger winds in the subtropical North Atlantic.
This may mean that if the subtropical winds weaken in the future due to climate change – and we have already talked about such a phenomenon previous research suggests – The Gulf Stream may also weaken.
This would limit the amount of tropical heat reaching Europe, cooling the continent and leading to higher sea levels in North America.
In addition, the researchers found that the influx of fresh water from the melting ice caps – especially in Greenland – disrupts the normal circulation pattern of the Gulf Stream, causing the current to weaken.
A significant slowdown in this current could dramatically alter global weather patterns, including changes in temperature, precipitation and storm patterns across regions.
While there is strong consensus among scientists that a slowdown in the Gulf Stream would have significant global impacts, the exact nature and timing of these impacts—especially in specific regions—is still a subject of ongoing research and debate.
Parengta pagal „Daily Mail“ ir „Science Daily“.
2024-07-14 23:10:21