What will be the effects of a dramatic increase in the temperature of the ocean, in regards to ocean currents and marine biodiversity?
Warm water usually rises, while cold water sinks. Earth's climates are controlled by ocean currents, and the weather on the Atlantic coast of the United States is controlled by the Gulf Stream. If oceans warm, it could melt more of the ice caps which would increase ocean levels and put many places underwater. Warmer waters could also destroy a lot of the microorganisms that feed small fish, which is problematic because these small fish go on to feed larger fish, such as tuna, that the world needs for its economy and food. When one link of the ocean food chain is removed, all life is affected. This is already noticeable as sea lions migrate further south in California and their food source is not available. Also, jellyfish and sharks are changing their patterns based on warmer ocean currents which affects swimmers.
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