Antarctic Ocean Currents Slowing, Threatening Deep Ocean Ecosystems.
Deep ocean currents around Antarctica, known as Antarctic bottom waters, have slowed by 30% since the 1990s and could soon stop altogether due to warming global temperatures. These currents supply 40% of the world's deep ocean with fresh nutrients and oxygen, and their slowdown could have knock-on effects for marine life and productivity. Researchers warn that fresh water entering Antarctic waters will likely continue and accelerate in the coming decades, meaning that these vital currents could soon collapse, impacting the oceans for centuries to come.