deep ocean currents

Deep ocean currents are large-scale movements of cold, dense water beneath the ocean’s surface, driven mainly by differences in temperature and salinity, a process called thermohaline circulation. These currents circulate around the globe, moving nutrients, oxygen, and heat between deep and surface waters. They help regulate Earth's climate by distributing warmth from the equator toward the poles and play a crucial role in maintaining marine ecosystems. Unlike surface currents caused by wind, deep currents flow slowly and are essential for the overall health and stability of the planet’s ocean system.