Atlantic Temp Drop
August 11, 2003 8:40 AM   Subscribe

Atlantic Ocean Abrupt Temperature Drop A Mystery for Scientists.
posted by stbalbach (12 comments total)
 
How is it a mystery ? Seems everyone thinks it's coastal upswelling.
posted by zeoslap at 9:32 AM on August 11, 2003


Nothing strange about that. Move along....
posted by PaddyJames at 9:48 AM on August 11, 2003


One of the theories in the article is cold water from the North Atlantic coming south, which is exactly what Wood Hole predicts will happen in an abrupt climate shift due to disruptions in the Gulfstream due to increased polar ice melt from global warming which will lead to a mini-iceage on the eastern seaboard. See the second link for explanations.

Yes, the people interviewed in the article are saying it is due to coastal upswelling, but they also admit it is just one of three theories and it is "a guess" they don't know.
posted by stbalbach at 9:49 AM on August 11, 2003


damn global cooling.
posted by quonsar at 9:54 AM on August 11, 2003


I've been looking forward to the global-disaster-scenario of the week for the last thirty years, and I've always been disappointed. Until I see them snowboarding down the Champs Elysee I'm not getting my hopes up over this one either.
posted by jfuller at 10:00 AM on August 11, 2003


jfuller - The second link in stbalbach's post is good to check out (if you haven't). Wood's Hole is considered the top ocean research institute in the World, and it's current and previous director have been extremely vocal (shouting, really, though the media doesn't quite get the import of the story) about the likelihood of a partial or total shutdown of Atlantic Circulation.

stbalbach and I have butted heads over climate change issues in previous threads - now he's watching the Sudden Climate Shift story too - I think the evidence speaks for itself. When researchers in an entire field start to speak (or shout) in unison, I tend to take notice.

stbalbach - '"We have the event of the century going on," Ebbesmeyer said. "The Pacific currents are re-arranging themselves, and we have the jewels of the Pacific, these glass fishing floats, that are already starting to wash up."

This Ebbesmeyer - He's one of the top authorities on Pacific currents in the World and he said on Public Radio, about six weeks ago, that the ongoing rearrangement of Pacific currents he studies prefigures a major Global Climate Shift. "I think that's what going on," he said. "But I can't prove it." Of course, by the time he can prove it, proof will be moot - sort of like studying a train wreck while it's happening.
posted by troutfishing at 10:50 AM on August 11, 2003


I bet it's TEH BL0B!
posted by dogmatic at 12:16 PM on August 11, 2003


This maybe part of the North Atlantic Oscillation which is similar to what you know as the el Nino.
It's great living during the great climate experiment.
posted by PaddyJames at 3:33 PM on August 11, 2003


Hey trout hoped you would chime in I've been following the mini-eastcoast ice age theory since about 1994. The recent table-pounding by Woods Hole has strangely fallen on deaf ears by most which is odd considering who they are.. I really don't know if this story is related, no one does, but it is one of those events no one in living memory can recall ever happening makes you wonder
posted by stbalbach at 5:33 PM on August 11, 2003


The Atlantic is getting colder while the European Continent is having a record heatwave, ultimately resulting in the tipping of the continent on its side after the entire population goes to the beach...

Remembering how "lukewarm" even the previous "liberal tree-hugger" American administration was about the Kyoto accords and anything else that might even partly alter the current climate trends... and not seeing any potential president who will break the news to us what economic effect saving this little blue planet will ultimately cost us in the over-developed world... on the bright side, we might avoid a Social Security crisis in the next twenty years if enough retirees die of heatstroke... This is definitely an issue I feel much better about since I gave up all hope...
posted by wendell at 7:06 PM on August 11, 2003


stbalbach - You've got me beat there ( time tracking the story ). Anyway, "The recent table-pounding by Woods Hole has strangely fallen on deaf ears by most which is odd considering who they are.. I really don't know if this story is related, no one does, but it is one of those events no one in living memory can recall ever happening makes you wonder."

I sure am wondering. Yes sir, I'm wondering up a storm.
posted by troutfishing at 10:48 PM on August 11, 2003


Coastal upwelling.

As a surfer, I pay attention to the water temps and wind. You can almost get the exact water temp right by tracking how many days we've had a persistent south wind.

It's 58-60 right now in NJ after 3-4 days of variable south winds. If the winds let up for 1-2 days, it'll get back into the 64-66 range. You'll need a full week for it to ever crack 70 (usually it's about 76-78 by now).

But, what's been happening is the south wind stops for a couple days, then starts up for 1-2 days, or longer. Can't remember the last time this ever happened. But that cold Canadian trough that's been hanging over the NE is certainly to blame for it (as well as to blame for the consistent rain we've been getting from the stalled front and warm tropic air coming up from the south)

If the jet stream ever straightens out and punches that trough out of the way, we should have blue skies and warm water through the end of September.. otherwise, it's going to go dreary into fall.
posted by rich at 11:50 AM on August 12, 2003


« Older Presents of Mind   |   Terminus1525.ca Newer »


This thread has been archived and is closed to new comments