The Antarctic Circumpolar Ocean Current. A review of its influence on global ocean currents and climate within Antarctica and Europe.

Abstract

This review examines the operation of the Antarctic Circumpolar ocean current, its role in the so-called ‘great ocean conveyor belt’ of worldwide ocean currents and its influence on climate, particularly in northern Europe. The development in the understanding of ocean currents and their driving forces is described using historical sources, starting from the observations of early explorers to modern scientific analysis. The interaction of the Antarctic Circumpolar current within the ocean conveyor belt and its influence on worldwide oceanic flow is reviewed with reference to its effect on the Gulf Stream The associated implications for climate change within Antarctica and Europe are discussed in the context of recently proposed scenarios.