Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC), Significance and Potential Impacts

Context: A study by the University of Melbourne has predicted that the ACC may weaken by 20% by 2050 under a high carbon emissions scenario.

About Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC)

• It is the world’s strongest ocean current, moving in a clockwise direction around Antarctica.
• It connects the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans.
• It is four times stronger than the Gulf Stream, transporting about 165 million cubic meters of water per second.

Significance

• Regulates heat and carbon dioxide uptake in the ocean.
• Prevents warmer waters from reaching Antarctica, thus preserving ice sheets.
• Blocks invasive species (e.g., bull kelp, shrimp, mollusks) from other continents reaching Antarctica.

Potential Impacts of a Weaker ACC

More Extreme Weather & Climate Instability

• ACC influences global wind and weather patterns.
• A weaker ACC can lead to stronger storms, heat waves, and extreme climate events

Increased Global Warming

• The ocean absorbs about 90% of the excess heat trapped by greenhouse gases.
• If the ACC weakens, the ocean’s ability to absorb heat and carbon dioxide declines, accelerating global warming.

Rising Sea Levels & Ice Sheet Melting

• The ACC prevents warm waters from reaching Antarctica.
• If it weakens, warmer ocean currents will erode Antarctic ice shelves, leading to faster sea level rise.

Disruption of Ocean Circulation

• The ACC is connected to global ocean currents, including the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC).
• A slowdown can weaken major ocean currents, disrupting rainfall, monsoons, and agricultural patterns.

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