Earth’s strongest ocean current is slowing down and it could trigger severe impacts, scientists warn

Earth’s Strongest Ocean Current Is Slowing Down, Scientists Warn. (Image: Canva)

Scientists are alarmed by the slowing of a key ocean current. The Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC), the world’s strongest, is weakening. This shift, driven by climate change, could lead to rising sea levels and warmer oceans, potentially altering global weather patterns.

Slowing Current and Climate Impact
A study from the University of Melbourne warns of major changes. The ACC, moving clockwise around Antarctica, is over four times stronger than the Gulf Stream. It plays a key role in regulating global temperatures. The current absorbs heat and carbon dioxide, preventing warmer waters from reaching Antarctica.

The study, published in Environmental Research Letters, predicts a 20% slowdown by 2050. This is based on a high carbon emissions scenario. Scientists say melting Antarctic ice shelves are the primary cause.

"If this current weakens, climate patterns may become unpredictable," said Associate Professor Bishakhdatta Gayen. "The ocean will store less carbon, which could speed up global warming."

Threats to Antarctica’s Ecosystem
The ACC acts as a barrier against invasive marine species. It keeps foreign species like shrimp and bull kelp away from Antarctica. If the current weakens, these species could disrupt the delicate Antarctic food web. This may even affect the diets of penguins and other wildlife.

Melting ice sheets also impact ocean salinity, altering water circulation. "Freshwater from melting ice weakens the Antarctic Bottom Water," said Gayen. This deep ocean current plays a role in regulating global climate. A weaker ACC could make extreme weather more frequent.

Researchers used Australia’s fastest supercomputer, GADI, to simulate these changes. Their findings add to concerns about climate change’s impact on Antarctica.

Climate scientist Dr Taimoor Sohail linked this to global warming. "The 2015 Paris Agreement aimed to keep warming below 1.5°C. But many experts believe we have already reached that point." If warming continues, Antarctic ice will melt even faster, worsening the problem.

The findings highlight the urgent need for climate action. Scientists warn that if emissions continue rising, Earth’s climate systems may become even more unstable.