What is “thermohaline” circulation?
deep-ocean circulation
Thermohaline circulation refers to the ocean circulation that is driven by temperature (thermo) and salinity (haline) differences. It includes both surface and deep-water currents.
The basic process behind the thermohaline circulation involves cooling and sinking of dense, cold water masses near the poles, which then flow towards the equator at the deep ocean level. Meanwhile, warmer surface waters flow towards the poles to replace the sinking water, forming a continuous global cycle. The salinity of water is also an important factor for thermohaline circulation because the higher the salinity, the denser the water and the easier it is for it to sink.
Thermohaline circulation is important for the distribution of heat energy around the planet and affects the Earth’s climate. Any changes to the temperature or salinity of the water can have significant impacts on the global climate by altering the ocean currents. For example, global warming could lead to melting of the Arctic ice cap and increased freshwater inputs into the ocean, disrupting the thermohaline circulation and potentially leading to regional climate change.
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