Scientists note that due to climate change, the Gulf Stream is weakening.
This information was reported Daily Mail, reports URA-Inform.
According to research from University College London, global warming could lead to a collapse of the Gulf Stream, causing average temperatures in Europe to drop by up to 15°C.
«If winds are weaker in the future, as suggested by a recent study using climate models, this could mean a weaker Gulf Stream and cooler weather in Europe», — noted lead researcher Dr. Jack Wharton.
It is worth noting that the Gulf Stream — it is a current of warm water that flows north along the east coast of North America and across the Atlantic into Europe. As the Gulf Stream moves, it releases thermal energy into the atmosphere, keeping Europe warmer than it otherwise would be.
«The ocean moves enormous amounts of heat around the globe, which is equivalent to the energy of millions of power plants. Yes, changing the strength of ocean currents can change how heat spreads. This is changing our climate», — noted study co-author Professor David Thornalley.
At the same time, the Gulf Stream is only part of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation. This is a large network of currents pumping hot water throughout the planet. Also, during the research, scientists calculated that the Gulf Stream used to be twice as deep and twice as fast as it is now.
«We found that during the last ice age the Gulf Stream was much stronger due to stronger winds in the subtropical North Atlantic. As a result, the Gulf Stream still carried a lot of heat north, even though the rest of the planet was much colder», — added Dr. Wharton.
The publication notes that these findings have alarming consequences for the future, because they indicate that the power of the Gulf Stream depends on climate factors. In particular, scientists note that recent research shows that climate change is already weakening the strong North Atlantic winds that drive the Gulf Stream.
«Paradoxically, a warming climate could cool much of Europe due to disruption of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation», — emphasized Professor Mark Maslin.
At the same time, current climate models show that the weakening of the Gulf Stream is «wreaking havoc» on continental agriculture and weather conditions. Scientists note that in the unlikely event of a complete collapse of the Gulf Stream, average temperatures in Europe could drop to 10°C or 15°C.
We recall that it was previously reported that there was abnormal heat in Ukraine: the weather forecaster explained the reason for the high temperatures.
