Antarctic currents supplying 40% of world's deep ocean with nutrients and oxygen slowing dramatically

Warming temperatures are increasing the flow of less-dense meltwater and slowing down deep ocean currents in Antarctica. (Image credit: UniversalImagesGroup / Contributor)

Deep ocean currents around Antarctica that are vital to marine life have slowed by 30% since the 1990s and could soon grind to a complete halt, a new study finds.

These currents, known as Antarctic bottom waters, are powered by dense, cold water from the Antarctic continental shelf that sinks to depths below 10,000 feet (3,000 meters). The water then spreads north into the Pacific and eastern Indian oceans, fueling a network of currents called the global meridional overturning circulation and supplying 40% of the world's deep ocean with fresh nutrients and oxygen.