A new study on the ocean's currents suggests the Gulf Stream, located 200 miles off the shores of Newfoundland and Labrador, may soon reach a tipping point that could impact climates around the world. The study, titled 'Observation-based early-warning signals for a collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation', was published in the Nature Climate Change journal.
Scientists warn of Gulf Stream collapse leading to ‘climate catastrophe’ in Canada, world
As climate scientists release new evidence pointing to the possible “collapse” of the Gulf Stream, experts are warning that its disappearance would usher in a “calamitous climate catastrophe” not just for Canadians living on the east coast, but for hundreds of millions more people worldwide. The warning comes amid a new study published in the journal Nature Climate Change, which found evidence of the Gulf Stream losing “stability” over the course of the last century. Should the stream continue to lose strength and eventually collapse, the study’s author warned of “severe impacts on the global climate system.”
Deep water temperatures hit 'scary' highs in Gulf of St. Lawrence
A decade-long warming trend in the Gulf of St. Lawrence continued in 2020 with deep waters reaching record highs, according to ocean climate data released Tuesday by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Water temperatures at depths of 200, 250 and 300 metres were higher than any measured in the Gulf since records started in 1915, hitting highs of 5.7 C, 6.6 C and 6.8 C. All were well above the normal variations.