The oceanic current that regulates Europe's climate might seize up within a century: study

The North Atlantic Current is a vast flow of warm seawater from the Gulf of Mexico that makes northwestern Europe's mild climate possible.

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RESTRICTIONS: Broadcast: NO USE JAPAN, NO USE TAIWAN Digital: NO USE JAPAN, NO USE TAIWAN The North Atlantic Current is a vast flow of warm seawater from the Gulf of Mexico that makes northwestern Europe's mild climate possible.

According to a study in Science Reports, Netherlands-based scientists warn that global warming might temporarily halt this important current in the next century.

According to the British Meteorological Office, the North Atlantic Current is driven by differentials in salinity and temperature levels in the sea.

As the hot current flows north, the water loses salinity and heat.

This cold, dense water then sinks deep into the ocean and flows back to tropical waters.

According to the researchers' news release, climate change-related ice melt in Greenland and excessive rains over the seas are adding freshwater to the North Atlantic.

The scientists say the new study's mathematical model has bolstered previous theories that freshwater inclusions would slow the current or even interrupt it.

A study co-author says that their simulations predict a 15 percent chance that the current would seize up temporarily in the next 100 years.

The scientists say that such a disruption might lead to cold spells in the northern Atlantic region.

RUNDOWN SHOWS: 1.

The North Atlantic Current circulates energy and moderates climate in Europe 2.

Salinity, temperature and density differentials drives the currents 3.

Increased rainfall and melting glaciers in Greenland disrupts the current 4.

Scientists predict 15 percent chance of current temporarily seizing movement VOICEOVER (in English): "The North Atlantic Current is a vast flow of warm seawater from the Gulf of Mexico that makes northwestern Europe's mild climate possible." "According to a study in Science Reports, Netherlands-based scientists warn that global warming might temporarily halt this important current in the next century." "According to the British Meteorological Office, the North Atlantic Current is driven by differentials in salinity and temperature levels in the sea." "As the hot current flows north, the water loses salinity and heat.

This cold, dense water then sinks deep into the ocean and flows back to tropical waters." "According to the researchers' news release, climate change-related ice melt in Greenland and excessive rains over the seas are adding freshwater to the North Atlantic." "The scientists say the new study's mathematical model has bolstered previous theories that freshwater inclusions would slow the current or even interrupt it." "A study co-author says that their simulations predict a 15 percent chance that the current would seize up temporarily in the next 100 years." "The scientists say that such a disruption might lead to cold spells in the northern Atlantic region." SOURCES: Science Reports, EurekAlert, The Meteorological Office (UK) https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-56435-6 https://eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-12/uog-nac122719.php https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/learn-about/weather/oceans/amoc *** For story suggestions please contact tips@nextanimation.com.tw For technical and editorial support, please contact: Asia: +61 2 93 73 1841 Europe: +44 20 7542 7599 Americas and Latam: +1 800 738 8377