Southern Ocean Circulation Reversed
10 months ago
- #oceanography
- #climate-change
- #antarctica
- A major reversal in Southern Ocean circulation detected, altering deep ocean currents known as SMOC.
- Surface salinity in the Antarctic Ocean has increased since 2016, reversing previous freshening trends.
- Rising deep water brings heat and CO₂ to the surface, accelerating ice melt and disrupting climate systems.
- Antarctic sea ice loss is rapid, comparable to Greenland's ice loss since 2015, with global climate impacts.
- Saltier surface waters disrupt ocean layering, allowing deeper heat to rise and further melt sea ice.
- The reversal of SMOC could double atmospheric CO₂ by releasing stored carbon from deep ocean waters.
- New satellite data reveals unprecedented salinity changes, explaining rapid Antarctic ice loss.
- Southern Ocean changes may disrupt global currents like AMOC, affecting climate in Europe and beyond.
- Climate models failed to predict these rapid changes, indicating unexpected feedback loops and tipping points.
- Ecosystems dependent on Antarctic ice, like penguins, face severe threats due to habitat loss.