What Is The Gulf Stream?

The Gulf Stream is an ocean current which brings warm water to Northern Europe and North America, taking cold, northern water back in exchange. Driven by differences in seawater density ~ caused by variation in the temperature and salinity of the water ~ the net effect of the Gulf Stream is to raise the temperature in northern latitudes significantly ~ by as much as 10 degrees in some parts.

Scientists have recently detected a dramatic weakening of the Gulf Stream. A survey in 2005 found that the strength of the current had diminished by 30% over the course of the previous 12 years. Fresh water from melting glaciers ~ caused by global warming ~ is believed to be interfering with the Gulf Stream and some scientists believe it could eventually shut down completely, causing a dramatic plunge in temperatures across northern Europe. Paradoxically therefore, global warming might be responsible for a sharp fall in temperatures in some parts of the world. Scientists say this would prove immensely disruptive.