Large Scale Circulation

Thermohaline Circulation (THC)

The large-scale movement of ocean water driven by density differences due to temperature (thermo) and salinity (haline).

Global Conveyor Belt

A term used to describe the thermohaline circulation that links surface currents and deep ocean currents globally.

Density Differences

Variations in density that occur due to temperature and salinity differences, crucial for driving thermohaline circulation.

North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW)

Cold, salty, dense water that forms near Greenland and sinks, flowing southward along the deep Atlantic.

Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW)

Very cold, dense water that forms near Antarctica and sinks to the ocean floor, spreading into various ocean basins.

Upwelling Zones

Regions where deep water rises to the surface, bringing nutrient-rich waters that support marine life.

Surface Cooling

The process by which polar regions lose heat, resulting in cooled, denser water that sinks.

Salinity Changes

Variations in salinity caused by evaporation or freshwater input that affect water density and thermohaline circulation.

Mixing

The process that occurs at boundaries and through eddies, helping redistribute heat and nutrients in the ocean.

Climate Regulation

The role of thermohaline circulation in transferring heat from the equator to the poles, moderating global climate.

Nutrient Transport

The movement of nutrients facilitated by upwelling, which supports high biological productivity and fisheries.

Oxygen Transport

The process by which sinking surface water carries oxygen into the deep ocean, supporting deep-sea life.

Carbon Cycling

The movement of dissolved CO₂ from the surface to the deep ocean, regulating atmospheric CO₂ levels.

Equatorial Upwelling

Processes at the equator that bring nutrient-rich water to the surface, essential for phytoplankton growth.

Western Boundary Currents

Strong, warm currents that transport heat poleward, such as the Gulf Stream and Kuroshio Current.

Eastern Boundary Currents

Slow, broad, cold currents that return cooler water toward the equator.

Polar Oceans

Regions where cold water sinks, driving deep circulation and contributing to ocean heat loss.

Thermal Front

A boundary characterized by a sharp change in temperature between different water masses.

Haline Front

A boundary where there is a sharp change in salinity between adjacent water masses.

Density Front

A front defined by a sharp change in density, often influenced by temperature and salinity differences.

Biological Hotspots

Areas where ocean fronts enhance mixing, leading to high biological productivity.

Cooling of Surface Water

The process that occurs particularly in high-latitude regions and contributes to deep water formation.

Increase in Salinity

A process where evaporation or ice formation increases the density of water, leading to sinking.

Climate Change

A factor impacting deep water formation by affecting temperature and salinity conditions.

Wind Patterns

Influences that impact surface water movement and density distribution affecting deep water formation.

Seasonal Variations

Changes that lead to stronger deep water formation during winter when surface water temperatures are lower.