20,000-year-old study: Last ice age's stronger Atlantic Gulf Stream linked to more powerful subtropical winds; potential implications for future climate change.
A new study in Nature reveals that during the last ice age, about 20,000 years ago, the Atlantic Gulf Stream was stronger than today due to more powerful winds across the subtropical North Atlantic. This unexpected discovery could indicate additional sensitivity to future climatic changes. If climate change reduces subtropical winds in the future, as initial research suggests, the Gulf Stream could also weaken, potentially limiting tropical heat reaching Europe and causing higher sea levels in North America.
July 10, 2024
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