Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => The Environment => Topic started by: Garry on 13/01/2009 09:08:08

Title: What happens to the Gulf of Mexico if the Gulfstream stops?
Post by: Garry on 13/01/2009 09:08:08

Garry asked the Naked Scientists:

It's often suggested that we may soon see the collapse of the Gulf Stream.

We're told of the effect this may have on Western and Northern Europe's
temperature yet nothing is mentioned of how this collapse will affect the Gulf of Mexico from where the Gulf Stream originates.  

Surely, if this huge amount of heat remains in the area it will be devastating. So what are the possible outcomes?

Could the circulating warm waters produce a new current taking the heat
elsewhere?

What do you think?

Title: What happens to the Gulf of Mexico if the Gulfstream stops?
Post by: lyner on 15/01/2009 11:24:47

Isn't the prediction that the stream will just go elsewhere?

Title: What happens to the Gulf of Mexico if the Gulfstream stops?
Post by: LeeE on 15/01/2009 13:43:17

I would have thought so.  As long as a gradient still exists between the Gulf of Mexico and somewhere else there's likely to be some degree of flow between them.  The route and endpoint may change but the hot water isn't just going to sit there, getting hotter and hotter.