Ocean currents are greatly influenced by global warming, and this has many effects on our climate.
Temperature Increases: The average temperature of the ocean's surface has gone up by about 1.5°F (or 0.8°C) since the late 1800s.
Melting Ice: Arctic sea ice is melting away at a rate of about 13% every ten years. This change impacts ocean circulation.
Current Disruption: Changes in saltiness and temperature of the water can change how dense the seawater is. This can mess with important currents, like the Gulf Stream. Some forecasts predict that these currents could slow down by as much as 45% by the year 2100.
Climate Feedback: When ocean currents change, it can lead to really bad weather. This can cause shifts in global weather patterns, like more hurricanes hitting our coasts.
Ocean currents are greatly influenced by global warming, and this has many effects on our climate.
Temperature Increases: The average temperature of the ocean's surface has gone up by about 1.5°F (or 0.8°C) since the late 1800s.
Melting Ice: Arctic sea ice is melting away at a rate of about 13% every ten years. This change impacts ocean circulation.
Current Disruption: Changes in saltiness and temperature of the water can change how dense the seawater is. This can mess with important currents, like the Gulf Stream. Some forecasts predict that these currents could slow down by as much as 45% by the year 2100.
Climate Feedback: When ocean currents change, it can lead to really bad weather. This can cause shifts in global weather patterns, like more hurricanes hitting our coasts.