Melting Antarctica could affect oceans 'for centuries', study finds

Rapidly melting Antarctic ice threatens to dramatically slow deep-water currents in the oceans, limiting the spread of fresh water, oxygen and nutrients for centuries, according to a study in the journal

.

Accelerating Antarctic ice melt is likely to lead to a "

" in water circulation in the deep ocean if global carbon emissions remain high, according to new modelling.

researchers said in a study published on Wednesday.

Reversal of deep waters

The "

" of waters in the deep oceans would slow by 40% by 2050 under a high emissions scenario, according to the study, which warns of impacts that would last "

".

If the model holds true, the deep ocean current will be "

", said Matthew England, professor of climatology at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), who coordinated the 'study.

According to this study, trillions of tons of cold, very salty, oxygen-rich water flow around Antarctica each year, sending a deep water current northward into the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic oceans.

ocean lungs

However, greater volumes of melting ice are making Antarctic waters less dense and less salty, slowing deep water circulation and affecting climate, sea levels and marine ecosystems.

"

," Mr England said.

And if oceans stagnate below 4,000 meters, “

,” he added.

UNSW professor emeritus John Church, who was not involved in the study, said there were many uncertainties about the impact of a decrease in deep ocean circulation.

"

," Church said.

“

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