Warning: the most powerful ocean current on Earth is preparing a dangerous surprise for humanity

Recent scientific research indicates a threat that could have catastrophic consequences for the entire planet. Scientists warn that one of the most powerful ocean currents, the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC), is beginning to slow down, which could seriously affect the global climate.

The ACC is a key element of the world's ocean conveyor belt that transports about 173 million cubic meters of water per second around Antarctica, distributing heat, water, and nutrients across the planet. However, due to human activity and climate change, this current could weaken by 20% by 2050, the Daily Mail writes.

This slowdown could lead to accelerated ice melt, rising sea levels, and uncontrolled global warming. Dr. Bishakhdatta Gayen of the University of Melbourne compares this current to the ocean's "engine": if it stops working properly, it will trigger extreme weather events and accelerate climate change.

The ACC mechanism is similar to the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), where the movement of water masses depends on salinity and temperature. However, the rapid melting of Antarctic ice saturates the ocean with fresh water, upsetting this balance.

Experts are already recording record low levels of sea ice in Antarctica, which only confirms the seriousness of the situation. Dr. Gayen explains that the decrease in ocean salinity weakens circulation processes, which further slows down the ACC flow and can cause a chain reaction of negative changes in the Earth's climate system.

Using a high-performance supercomputer, scientists have modeled how the melting of Antarctic ice will affect the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) under conditions of intense greenhouse gas emissions. It turned out that this process could slow the current by 20% by 2050.

Since the ACC acts as a natural barrier to the Southern Ocean, its weakening will allow more heat to penetrate Antarctica. This will accelerate the melting of the ice sheet, triggering a dangerous mechanism of mutually reinforcing climate change.

The Antarctic ice sheet contains about 90% of all freshwater reserves on the planet, and its melting could cause a sharp rise in sea levels. This will jeopardize the lives of 230 million people living in coastal regions. In addition, the slowdown will reduce the ocean's ability to absorb carbon dioxide, which will only accelerate global warming.

Changes in the ACC will also negatively affect the Antarctic ecosystem, paving the way for invasive species that could not previously exist in the region. The only way to avoid catastrophic consequences is to reduce the rate of ice melt through global measures to combat climate change.

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