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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Science
Donna Lu

Slowing ocean current caused by melting Antarctic ice could have drastic climate impact, study says

Melting ice in Antarctica has affected a key global ocean current, research suggests.
Melting ice in Antarctica has affected a key global ocean current, research suggests. Photograph: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

A major global deep ocean current has slowed down by approximately 30% since the 1990s as a result of melting Antarctic ice, which could have critical consequences for Earth’s climate patterns and sea levels, new research suggests.

Known as the Southern Ocean overturning circulation, the global circulation system plays a key role in influencing the Earth’s climate, including rainfall and warming patterns. It also determines how much heat and carbon dioxide the oceans store.

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