Antarctica’s Melting Ice Has Triggered a Sudden Shift Deep in the Ocean

Antarctica’s melting ice has caused a sudden shift in the ocean’s salt and density levels, which could send more heat into the deep waters than previously predicted. Every Antarctic summer, melting sea ice sends a pulse of fresh water into the ocean, sustaining a layer of water known as Antarctic Intermediate Water (AAIW). However, recent measurements show that this layer is growing saltier and denser, which could have significant impacts on global climate patterns.