Understanding the Shifting Ocean Currents

Earth’s atmosphere and oceans are in constant interaction. This dynamic relationship affects wind, weather patterns, and ocean currents. But when the atmosphere warms, changes occur.

A warming climate impacts both land and ocean environments. The ocean, especially, acts as a heat sink. Much of the heat from human fossil fuel use is absorbed by the ocean. While deep sea layers remain less impacted, the upper 200 meters of the ocean feel significant effects.

Scientific models show that in a warming climate, surface currents are likely to accelerate globally. For example, the Atlantic Circumpolar Current around Antarctica is already changing. These shifts can lead to major consequences like sea level rise, altered fish migration, and storm pattern changes.

“A warming climate affects both land and ocean, with significant changes expected in surface currents around the globe.”

These changes were discussed in the first episode of Sea Camp, a Short Wave series. This series explores the fascinating ocean depths, from the sunlit zone to the sea floor every Monday through August.

If you have questions about ocean stories, you can email [email protected]. Support Short Wave by subscribing to Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave. You can also listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

This episode was produced by Hannah Chinn and Rachel Carlson, with editing by Rebecca Ramirez and fact-checking by Tyler Jones. Audio engineering was handled by Jimmy Keeley.