Ocean Current Shutdown May Be Gradual, Not Sudden

Ocean Current Shutdown May Be Gradual, Not Sudden: "'Research is now indicating that this phenomenon may happen, but probably not as a sudden threshold we're crossing,' said Peter Clark, a professor of geosciences at Oregon State University. 'For those who have been concerned about extremely abrupt changes in these ocean current patterns, that's good news.

'In the past it appears the ocean did change abruptly, but only because of a sudden change in the forcing,' he said. 'But when the ocean is forced gradually, such as we anticipate for the future, its response is gradual. That would give ecosystems more time to adjust to new conditions.'

The findings do not change broader concerns about global warming. Temperatures are still projected to increase about four to 11 degrees by the end of this century, and the study actually confirms that some of the world's most sophisticated climate models are accurate."