Question

If the major currents in the oceans were to slow down or stop, how would that affect the distribution of heat on Earth, and what effect might that have on glaciation?

Answer 1

Answer:

The ocean currents play a significant role in maintaining the earth's climatic conditions. These ocean currents when circulates from the equator to the polar region, it forms a large conveyor belt, making the water warm as well as cool at different parts.

If this ocean current slows down or stops, then it will have a huge impact on the world's climate. The water in the equatorial region will be heated more extensively than the water in the polar region. As a result of which the water will become hot and lighter. And with further heating of the water in this region, the water in the higher latitudes will be affected. The water in the polar region will become less dense, due to the increasing temperature and reducing salinity. This ocean water circulation can be stopped due to the increase in the global warming effect that will affect the lives existing on earth and the sea level will eventually rise.

Thus, the heat energy distribution on earth will be unbalanced.

Due to the increased surface temperature, the glaciers present at different places will also be affected. They will melt and it will lead to an increase in the sea level.

Answer 2

Answer and Explanation:

In case, the major ocean currents stops or slows down, the heat distribution on the Earth will be affected in the following ways:

• There would be quite significant climatic changes.
• It affects one of the major phenomena in the ocean , the thermohaline circulation of the ocean which is responsible for the supply of heat to the polar areas.
• Heat distribution is affected in such a way that keeps the warm water of the equatorial region remains in the same region and can not delivered to the polar areas.
• This phenomena results in more heat in the equatorial region and colder polar areas.