Ocean currents play a critical role in regulating Earth’s climate. These massive flows of water, both on the surface and in deeper layers, act like a conveyor belt, transporting heat across the globe. For example, the Gulf Stream carries warm water from the Gulf of Mexico up the eastern coast of the United States and across the Atlantic to Western Europe. This helps moderate temperatures in places like the UK and France, making them significantly milder than other regions at similar latitudes.
However, climate change is beginning to disrupt these delicate systems. As Arctic ice melts, it adds a surge of freshwater into the North Atlantic. This reduces the salinity and density of the water, which can slow or even stop the deep ocean currents that rely on sinking cold, salty water. If these systems weaken, some regions may face more extreme weather patterns, from colder winters in Europe to rising temperatures in tropical zones.
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