Do the two man made shipping channels, Suez and Panama, have had an effect on global warning?

Question

These two shipping channels have short circuited the earths ocean system at or close to equator. Before this the treee great ocean systems were thermally connected only around the poles. what effect these seemingly small openings have had on ocean circulation is a point that is bothering me! If any body has any reference to the study on the effects on these channels on global environment, may please let me know. Please note that the gulf streem starts very close to panama canal. Also remember the implications of "chaos theory".

Answer 1

You can only believe this if you believe the ocean currents "short circuited" the locks in the canals.

This is a classic case where wild claims are made and the burden of proof is placed on disproving these claims, while foolish people fall for the scam and believe the world is in peril.

Answer 2

I understand exactly what you're saying and it makes perfect sense.

There is no flow of water through the Suez as the sea level at both ends is the same. With the Panama canal the sea level on the Pacific side is a little higher than that on the Atlantic side, if the canal were a single cut from one ocean to the other water would flow through it like a river. However, the Panama utilises natural lakes and raises vessels to and from the lakes through a series of locks, these locks prevent the flow of water.

Millions of years ago the continents of North and South America were detached and ocean currents flowed where Central America now lies. The ocean currents distribute warm and cool water around the planets and when the land masses collided there was massive disruption to these currents resulting in one of the most dramatic climatic shifts in Earth's history.

Although the land masses around the planet are still moving, the rate is extremely slow (typically 6 inches a year) and it's 9000 years since the most recent disruption to land masses occurred.

Answer 3

You watch too many cartoons! The water doesn't flow freely through those canals. They have 'locks' that control the water levels and restrict free flow. Stop looking for false science,and focus on what is already known. In case you missed it in class, the "Gulf Stream" originates in the Gulf of Mexico,hence it's name. Global Warming is increasing due human activity and is creating Climate Change. It's not a hoax or a way to make money or a political plot by Al Gore.

Answer 4

Agreeing most of the answerers as it has nothing to do to trigger global warming, i think it even has a negative effect.

By shortening the steaming distance,less fuel is burnt by ships thus less gases released.

Answer 5

Environmental protection is to make joint efforts we can solve all the problems! But water is not moving any worse, I think this will be good!