Topic(s): Thermohaline Circulation, Ocean and Climate, Measurements and Observations, Measuring and Modeling Climate
Grade Level: Middle (6-8), High School (9-12), College Lower (13-14)
This Changing Planet video documents scientists' concerns regarding how melting Arctic sea ice will increase the amount of fresh water in the Beaufort Gyre, which could spill out into the Atlantic and cause major climate shifts in North America and Western Europe. The video includes interviews with scientists and a look at the basics of how scientists measure salinity in the ocean and how ocean circulation works in the Arctic.