Overturning Circulation

Overturning Circulation

News: The deep ocean currents (called ‘Overturning Circulations’) in Antarctica, which play a crucial role in redistributing heat, carbon, and nutrients around the globe, are slowing down earlier than predicted.
 

What are the Overturning Circulations? Why are they slowing?
 Overturning Circulations refers to the global network of ocean currents that redistribute heat, carbon, and nutrients. They play a crucial role in regulating Earth’s climate, maintaining oxygen levels, and shaping ocean currents.
 The Overturning Circulations are slowing due to melting Antarctic ice, which freshens surface waters and reduces their density, hindering the sinking process and disrupting the circulation pattern.

Impact of ‘Slowing Deep Ocean Currents’
 It can lead to reduced oxygen levels in the deep ocean, affecting marine organisms.
 Lower oxygen levels may lead to behavioral changes, migrations, and disruptions in the marine food chain.
 Moreover, the slowdown increases global warming as the ocean's capacity to store carbon dioxide and heat diminishes, intensifying the greenhouse effect.
 It can contribute to rising sea levels due to the thermal expansion of warmer waters