thermohaline circulation

Thermohaline circulation refers to the large-scale movement of ocean water driven by differences in temperature (thermo) and salinity (haline). Warm, salty water from the equator rises and moves toward the poles, where it cools and becomes denser, sinking to the ocean floor. This process creates a global “conveyor belt” that circulates water, nutrients, and heat around the planet. It plays a crucial role in regulating climate, supporting marine life, and connecting different ocean regions. Changes in this circulation can have significant impacts on global weather patterns and ecosystems.