Ocean currents are the hidden systems that regulate Earth’s climate, moving heat and energy around the planet. But as the ocean warms, those currents are beginning to shift, with major consequences for Australia.

In this episode of the Ultramarine, science journalist Ellen Phiddian explains how ocean currents work, how scientists track their movement, and why predicting their future is so complex. The conversation explores changes already being observed, from the Antarctic Circumpolar Current to the East Australian Current pushing further south along Australia’s east coast.

Together, the episode unpacks what scientists know, what remains uncertain, and why Australia, as an island continent surrounded by multiple ocean systems, is particularly exposed to changes in ocean circulation. Understanding how the ocean moves, it turns out, is essential to understanding Australia’s climate future.

More information:

• Earth Nullschool: An interactive global map that shows ocean currents, winds, and temperatures moving around the planet in near real time. A great way to visualise systems like the East Australian Current.
• Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS): Australia’s national network of ocean sensors, moorings, and observing platforms used to track ocean currents, temperature, and conditions around the coastline.

For the latest science news and discoveries visit https://connectsci.au/news

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