Scientists have long suspected this, and new research adds to mounting evidence that global warming could shut down the Atlantic Conveyor Belt. However, the research cited in the Science Daily article shows drastic implications on the ocean food chains if this shutdown were to actually happen: In a worst case scenario, global productivity of phytoplankton could decrease by as much as 20 percent and in some areas, such as the North Atlantic, the loss could hit 50 percent. [...] As the water cools, it sinks 2,000 to 3,000 meters and begins flowing southward. The upwelling from the mixing of waters constantly replenishes the supply of phytoplankton at the surface, forming a rich nutrient source at the bottom of the marine food web.”
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