Scientists make disturbing revelation about the melting of the poles and how it will affect the United States and other parts of the world
The Antarctic Circumpolar Current has been the most affected by the melting of the poles, generating global changes.
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A recent research conducted by experts from the University of Melbourne, Australia, revealed that the rate of melting in various parts of the world has decreased significantly, which could have negative and unexpected effects on the ocean circulation of several regions, including the United States.
Despite hearing and reading about the negative effects of accelerated melting of the poles on numerous occasions, the truth is that thawing, moderate and natural, is vital to maintain the balance of ocean currents through temperature and water health.
However, just like excess melting, the decrease in thawing can have consequences of equal or greater magnitude on numerous aspects of sea stability, ocean temperatures, and the life of various species, among others.
The effects of decreased thawing
As mentioned in a study published in Environmental Research Letters, the reduction of cold and fresh water flow from the natural melting of the poles has directly impacted the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC), an essential system in global thermal regulation.
This is also the only current that connects the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, and Austral oceans. In addition to this, through the ACC, billions of liters of water are transported per second, allowing for the circulation of heat and nutrients throughout the planet.
Likewise, various studies have indicated that this oceanic system helps maintain the balance of the Antarctic ecosystem by creating a unique habitat, preventing species from other latitudes from approaching its shores.
In research carried out by scientists from the University of Melbourne, it was found that the reduction of cold water flow restricts the mixing of surface and deep layers in the current, affecting convection and the ocean's ability to distribute heat and maintain its thermal balance. As a result, the circulation of essential nutrients for various marine species has been disrupted.
A “sea” of problems
According to the lead researcher, geophysicist Bishakhdatta Gayen, the weakening of this current can affect the global climate balance, with repercussions on ocean circulation, heat exchange between continents, and extreme climate variations.
According to the research, in the case of the United States, this alteration could cause an increase in sea level, a situation that would severely affect the inhabitants of coastal cities on the Pacific Ocean in the west and the Atlantic Ocean in the east.
Additionally, this could intensify phenomena such as storms, heatwaves, and extreme precipitations. Furthermore, the disruption of the Antarctic ecosystem could facilitate the presence of invasive species in the region, causing a significant environmental imbalance.
The study also mentions that these changes can affect the availability of oxygen and nutrients in the oceans, directly impacting fishing.
*This article has been automatically translated using artificial intelligence
