Our oceans and the complex "conveyer belt" system of currents that connects them play an important role in regulating global climate. The oceans store heat from the Sun, and ocean currents transport that heat from the tropics to the poles. They release the heat and moisture into the air, which moderates climate nearby. But what happens if part of that conveyer belt jams?
The next 24 hours will be the most challenging so far for Vendée Globe race leader Charlie DALIN (Apivia), especially through this evening and tonight as he will pass as close as he dare to the centre of a Southern Ocean low pressure system which is forecast to bring him gusts over 55kts and big seas. He told his team yesterday 'this is the biggest, most powerful storm I have had through since the start'. So today will mostly be about pushing on and preparing himself and his Apivia.
Modest speeds for Vendée Globe leaders... BESTAVEN holds third... STAMM talks of Pip HARE's Superbigou
The Vendée Globe's leading duo Charlie DALIN and Thomas RUYANT are into a period of quieter winds as they recover from the big Indian Ocean storm which hit them on Tuesday night with gusts to 55 knots of wind and big seas.
Worst Of The Storm Passed for RUYANT and DALIN, Golden Ticket for Armel TRIPON. BEYOU Making Inroads.
For the meantime the worst of the Indian Ocean is behind them and Vendée Globe leaders Charlie DALIN and Thomas RUYANT can contemplate a relatively smooth ride to Australia's Cape LEEUWIN, now 1250 nautical miles, or about three days, ahead of DALIN.
British skipper Sam DAVIES informed her team that her IMOCA Initiatives Coeur had struck a floating object at around 1900hrs UTC this evening. She is heading north at reduced speed and will inspect her boat to assess the damage and discuss actions with her team. Sam DAVIES is unhurt.
Scientists have identified a new mechanism to account for the drastic aridification in eastern Africa over the past two million years, with likely implications for understanding the evolution and dispersal of our early human ancestors.