New Antarctic research shows the deepest layer of the Southern Ocean is shrinking faster than scientists realized, with the rate of change accelerating over the past decade. This is of worldwide significance because as it sinks and fills up to 40% of the global ocean volume, the cold, dense water known as Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) drives Earth's system of currents and regulates our climate.

New Antarctic research shows the deepest layer of the Southern Ocean is shrinking faster than scientists realized, with the rate of change accelerating over the past decade. This is of worldwide significance because as it sinks and fills up to 40% of the global ocean volume, the cold, dense water known as Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) drives Earth’s system of currents and regulates our climate.

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