Melting Antarctic Ice May Weaken World's Strongest Ocean Current: Study

Washington, 8 Apr (ONA)--- The Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC), the strongest ocean current on Earth, undertakes a crucial role in circulating water between the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, helping regulate the global climate.

However, a new study warns that this once-stable current could slow down by up to 20% by 2050 due to increasing greenhouse gas emissions.

Meltwater from Antarctica’s ice shelves is expected to dilute ocean salinity, disrupting the ACC’s flow.

This could have severe consequences, including rising sea levels, changes in marine ecosystems, and a weakened ability of oceans to absorb heat and carbon from the atmosphere.

The ACC, which is 100 times stronger than the Amazon River, has long been stable. Scientists measure it in the Drake Passage, where its strength has remained consistent. However, a slowdown could trigger a vicious cycle—warmer waters accelerating ice melt, further weakening the current.

Although no slowdown has been observed yet, experts warn that past stability is no guarantee for the future.

----Ends/Thuraiya/AG