Winds above the Arctic found to influence events deep in the ocean

Published on 24/09/2012 02:10

Whirling winds in the upper atmosphere can influence what happens at the bottom of the oceans, which in turn affects 
the Earth’s climate, say scientists.

Disruption of the 80mph “polar vortex” winds encircling the Arctic impacts on mile-deep ocean circulation patterns, research suggests. Over periods of decades, this can alter the flow of warm and cold water around the planet, leading to changes in the weather.

Scientists already knew disturbances in the stratosphere were felt lower down in the troposphere, but new research indicates events up to 30 miles above the North Pole have an influence that extends through the atmosphere into the ocean.