Regarding the "thermal switch" in the North Atlantic: When is it likely to switch off?

Question

As I understand, the continued and rapid melting of the Greenland icesheet is altering the salinity of the Atlantic Ocean which can lead to a "switching off" of the Gulf stream. It is only due to the presence of the Gulf stream that Europe is not subject to a climate similar to Siberia.

Does anyone have any information about the time factors that are involved here; When is this switch likely to occur, and if/when it does how long is it until the effects will be apparent?

I appreciate all of your answers. Thank you!

Nick

Answer 1

Exactly where did you get this piece of data?  Scientific sources only, not Hollywood.

Answer 2

the conveyor is very sensitive to changes in temp and carbon in the atmosphere.  it is the salinity (ie the salt) of the oceans that makes it move in the way it does.

don't worry though, when it stops the temp of the uk won't suddeny drop, and we wont all freeze to death!

it'll be a gradual thing, and yes, the areas it effects will get colder, but it'll be nothing like the media makes out.

it's swiched on and off in the past (thousands of years ago).  everything works in cycles, and this is also why the climate is changing (it's not purely to do with carbon emmisions etc) and the earth is still here.  so don't panic!

Answer 3

its all ridiculous media hype anyway, let's all just relax and enjoy life

Answer 4

The best answer to your question would be: never.

The whole “The Gulf Stream is going to stop” idea is nothing but a wild theory. No one has any idea if, or when, it might happen, so it’s on a par with a mega-asteroid hitting the Earth or even the Earth being invaded by aliens. Yes, it might happen, but it soooooo unlikely that you really don’t need to worry about it.

Remember this: it was warmer than it is today during the Medieval Warm Period (around 900 – 1400) and it didn’t happen then. So what makes you think it would happen now?

As ever with Global Warming – don’t believe the hype.

Answer 5

all that i can guarantee you is that it won't be what is portrayed in the day after tomorrow. although anything is possible really.

Answer 6

It's on a timer. The pilot light has gone out though.