Thermohaline Circulation and Ocean Currents

Vocabulary flashcards about thermohaline circulation and its impact on Earth's climate.

Thermohaline Circulation

Large-scale ocean circulation driven by differences in water density controlled by temperature and salinity.

Heat Distribution (Thermohaline Circulation)

The movement of warm water from the tropics to the poles and cold water from the poles back to the tropics which moderates global temperature.

Climate Stability (Thermohaline Circulation)

Maintaining stable weather patterns and climate globally.

Carbon Cycle (Thermohaline Circulation)

Regulating greenhouse gases by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in deep ocean waters.

Ocean Currents

Oceanic circulation driven by wind and thermohaline circulation.

Thermo

Temperature, influencing water density in thermohaline circulation.

Haline

Salinity, influencing water density in thermohaline circulation.

Thermohaline Circulation

Global system of ocean currents driven by differences in temperature and saltiness of seawater.

Ocean Conveyor Belt

Moves warm water from the equator toward the poles, warming cooler areas, and moves cold water back toward the equator, cooling hotter regions.