Scientists predict ‘mini ice age’ could hit UK by 2030
By Gerard Tubb, North of England Correspondent From Sky News UK
A model of the Sun’s magnetic activity suggests the River Thames may freeze over within two decades, experts say.
A mini ice age that would freeze major rivers could hit Britain in less than two decades, according to research from universities in the UK and Russia.
A mathematical model of the Sun’s magnetic activity suggests temperatures could start dropping here from 2021, with the potential for winter skating on the River Thames by 2030.
A team led by maths professor Valentina Zharkova at Northumbria University built on work from Moscow to predict the movements of two magnetic waves produced by the Sun.
It predicts rapidly decreasing magnetic waves for three solar cycles beginning in 2021 and lasting 33 years.
Very low magnetic activity on the Sun correspond with historically documented cold periods on Earth.
Professor Zharkova claims 97% accuracy for the model which dovetails with previous mini ice ages, including the Maunder Minimum period from 1645 to 1715 when frost fairs were held on the frozen Thames.
But she cautions that her mathematical research cannot be used as proof that there will be a mini ice age this time around, not least because of global warming.
“I hope global warning will be overridden by this effect, giving humankind and the Earth 30 years to sort out our pollution,” she said.
IMAGES:
The River Thames froze over in the 17th century. Pic: Museum of London
Experts measured the Sun’s magnetic waves
Frost fairs were once held on the River Thames. Pic: Museum of London
For more on this story go to; https://news.sky.com/story/scientists-predict-mini-ice-age-could-hit-uk-by-2030-11186098
