One-to-one coupling of glacial climate variability in Greenland and Antarctica

In summary, The warming of the Antarctic is causing stronger ocean currents that transfer heat from the South Pole to the North Pole and cool the South. As the Arctic warms and its ice melts, the fresh water disrupts the current and causes the southern oceans to warm. This leads to a retreat of the Antarctic ice and strengthens the current again, completing the cycle. This current weakening could have implications for the warm northerly flow. The past shifts in climate, as shown by cores, were local rather than global, which may help us understand the current climate shift. However, this idea has not been challenged and remains a topic of discussion.
  • #1
Skyhunter
Here is the abstract.

And here is a related article.

As the Antarctic warms, the ocean currents that carry water away from the continent become stronger. Warm water flows as a surface current to the Arctic. Stronger currents transfer more heat to the North Pole, and cool the South. Cold water flows back southward along the ocean floor.

As the Arctic warms, its ice begins to melt. This adds fresh water to the sea, which disrupts the current, because it is less dense than salt water and therefore means that the diluted cold water sinks less readily.

With the current weakened, the Antarctic retains more of the Sun's heat. This warms the southern oceans, eventually causing the there ice to retreat and allowing water to enter the Atlantic from other oceans, thus strengthening the current again and completing the cycle.
With the arctic ice melting, should we expect a weakening of the warm northerly flow?

Since we are in the midst of a giant atmospheric experiment, with the only currently habitable planet that we have, I wonder how much understanding the past shifts will help in our understanding of the current climate shift?

The cores suggest that the climate shifts were local, not global like we are seeing today.
 
Earth sciences news on Phys.org
  • #2
I said:

More substantiation for that statement is whenever I confront real specialists with that, unlike on other occasions only deep silence follows. There has not been an attempt yet to challenge the refutal.

Just happens that an excellent demonstation of that is ongoing http://www.ukweatherworld.co.uk/forum/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=6458&start=1 , so far.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #3
So I thought I was quoting myself in a new message, but I actually edited the message and destroyed a few minutes work that way.

However if you follow that previous link to http://www.ukweatherworld.co.uk/forum/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=6458&start=1 , the contents of that message was about the same, albeit that here in PF, I toyed a bit with Poppers philosophy about one single fact can falsify a theory, while none can prove it.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

1. How do we know that there is a one-to-one coupling of glacial climate variability in Greenland and Antarctica?

Scientists use a variety of methods to study past climate conditions, including ice core samples, sediment cores, and climate models. By examining data from these sources, we can see that changes in temperature, precipitation, and other factors occurred at the same time in both Greenland and Antarctica during past glacial periods, indicating a coupling between the two regions.

2. What factors contribute to this one-to-one coupling?

The main factor driving the one-to-one coupling of glacial climate variability in Greenland and Antarctica is the Earth's orbit. Changes in the Earth's orbit affect the amount and distribution of solar radiation reaching the Earth's surface, leading to changes in global climate. Other factors, such as ocean currents and atmospheric circulation patterns, also play a role in linking the climate of these two regions.

3. How does the one-to-one coupling of glacial climate variability in Greenland and Antarctica impact global climate?

The one-to-one coupling of glacial climate variability in Greenland and Antarctica can have global impacts on temperature, sea level, and ocean circulation. Changes in the amount of ice in these regions can affect sea level and alter ocean circulation patterns, which can in turn impact global climate. Additionally, changes in temperature and precipitation in these regions can have a cascading effect on other parts of the world.

4. Are there any current studies or research exploring the one-to-one coupling of glacial climate variability in Greenland and Antarctica?

Yes, there are many ongoing studies and research projects focused on understanding the one-to-one coupling of glacial climate variability in Greenland and Antarctica. Scientists are using advanced technologies and techniques to collect and analyze data from these regions in order to better understand the mechanisms driving this coupling and its potential impacts on global climate.

5. How does human activity affect the one-to-one coupling of glacial climate variability in Greenland and Antarctica?

Human activities, such as greenhouse gas emissions and land use changes, can impact the one-to-one coupling of glacial climate variability in Greenland and Antarctica. These activities can alter the Earth's climate system and disrupt the delicate balance between these two regions, potentially leading to greater variability and impacts on global climate. It is important for us to mitigate our impact on the environment in order to prevent further disruptions to this coupling.

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
3K
  • Earth Sciences
Replies
20
Views
6K
  • Science Fiction and Fantasy Media
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
39
Views
11K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Earth Sciences
Replies
4
Views
4K
Replies
73
Views
13K
Replies
6
Views
12K
Replies
4
Views
12K
  • Earth Sciences
Replies
34
Views
8K
Back
Top