A weaker Gulf Stream may lead to rising seas and a hotter Florida (Sun Sentinel)

[bronxiteforever]

By DAVID FLESHLER
SOUTH FLORIDA SUN SENTINEL |
AUG 02, 2019 | 1:41 PM

Visible from the air as a ribbon of cobalt blue water a few miles off the coast, the Gulf Stream forms part of a clockwise system of currents that transports warm water from the tropics up the east coast and across the Atlantic to northwestern Europe. In the frigid climate near Greenland, the water cools, sinks and flows south again, rolling through the deep ocean toward the tropics.

This marine circulatory system has reached its weakest point in 1,600 years, recent studies show, having lost about 15 percent of its strength since the mid-20th century. Scientists disagree on whether climate change or natural cycles account for the slowdown. But a consensus has emerged that climate change will lead to a slower Gulf Stream system in the future, as melting ice sheets in Greenland disrupt the system with discharges of cold fresh water.

A weaker Gulf Stream could lead to higher sea levels along the Florida coast. Sea level worldwide is currently rising at a rate of about one inch every eight years, partly because of melting ice sheets and partly because water expands as it warms. But for local sea level, an important role is played by currents. “If the Gulf Stream strengthens, you can think of that sort of sweeping the water away from the coast more rapidly and that tends to suppress sea level,” said Ben Kirtman, professor of Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science. “So a strong Gulf Stream is a good thing. And if the Gulf Stream weakens, just the opposite happens. It’s not sweeping away the water as much, and so sea level rises. If the Gulf Stream weakens, it will exacerbate sea level rise.”

https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/florida/fl-ne-gulf-stream-climate-change-20190802-mblbzlj4xbdm3j54xazbfg4kgq-story.html

I can’t do this article justice with my cut and paste. You should read the entire article.

[pwb]

1. The south may be unlivable soon.

The desert south. Am very thankful my immigrant family settled in the northeast

[sdfernando]

6. already unlivable in my book

Was in Orlando in March/April timeframe this year...80+ and 80% humidity. I can't stand high humidity so I was completely miserable and always drenched in sweat. There is a reason I live in San Diego!

[Wellstone ruled]

2. Sure took long enough

for some Media in Florida to admit that their Paradise is at risk.

[greymattermom]

3. Before that, the colors are coming.

Red tide, blue-green algae, brown seaweed.

[Wellstone ruled]

5. Just the signs of more

drastic events to come. Have not been in Florida since late nineties and that happened to be during a drought event with wildfires galore. Just the response efforts told a story of what is to come down the road. Talk about being ill prepared,when you have to strip Wildland Fire Fighters by the Hundreds from Northern States because of lack of Preparedness. That in it's self tells a story of ignorance on the behalf of the States Political Leadership.

[msongs]

4. so much for the south will rise again lol nt