Scientists are concerned that melting sea ice will increase the amount of fresh water in the Beaufort Gyre. If this happens, excess fresh water might spill into the North Atlantic Ocean and act as a barrier to the warmer Gulf Stream water releasing its heat into the atmosphere. If such a scenario were to occur, it could impact the entire climate of the Northern Hemisphere, bringing a chill on North America and Europe.
Resource for Teachers: The Case of the Leaky Gyre Lesson Plan Activity
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