A new study by University of Miami researchers suggests that the Indian Ocean's Agulhas Current is growing wider but not more powerful. The results can be correlated with data on global climate change, pointing to how intensifying winds are not a result of the flow rate but the width of the current.

The study used evaluations from three different scientific cruises to the Agulhas Current. The phenomenon is the Indian Ocean's translation of the Gulf Stream, and the analyses showed long-term implications in the current's transport.

The analyses were carried out by observing 22 years of satellite data, and the findings now suggest the current is broader and not necessarily more powerful.

Agulhas Current Wider Activity

The data has estimated such increase in the width of the current since 1990, as the turbulence from meandering and eddying has increased at its turn. The phenomenon is currently one of the most powerful of its type worldwide, and it flows along the eastern coast of South Africa.

As part of its trajectory, the Agulhas transports warm and salty water in a direction starting from the tropics and flowing toward the poles. Because of its activity, the current has a tremendous impact on the regional climate of Africa and, given its intensity, on the global climate as well. The water circulation enhanced by its powerful movement contributes to the effects of global warming, changing the western boundary currents.

Climate Change Research On Oceans

Past research shows that fast-paced climate change can be detected over the western boundaries of the areas that the current affects, along with the expansion of its effects.

The results of the research have a significant impact on the way scientists interpret the effects of global warming, as both the poleward heat transport and the exchange of pollutants are now part of this mechanism.

The current study interpreted the data gathered in the course of an experiment called "Agulhas Current Time-Series," which was funded by the National Science Foundation. The experiment provided constant data, aiming for a better scientific comprehension of how climate change impacts ocean activity.

Other significant changes in natural phenomena arising from climate change include more frequent super typhoons in Asia, where highly destructive storms have dramatically increased in the past few years. Both their intensities and extent of damage are believed to be the effect of manmade climate change.