The new research, based on ocean measurements off the coast of East Antarctica, shows that melting Antarctic glaciers are indeed freshening the ocean around them. The melting water stratifies the ocean column, with cold fresh water trapped at the surface and warmer water sitting below. “It is therefore of some concern that we now see increasing signs that the deep water formation around Antarctica is already being affected.”Rahmstorf pointed to additional studies that also suggest Antarctic bottom water formation is changing. Thus, it’s possible that deep water formation in these regions shut off a long time ago, well before the modern period of intense climate warming. Silvano also said that if the formation of Antarctic bottom water slows, the global consequences could be massive.

Source: Washington Post April 23, 2018 16:34 UTC