Knowra Ocean heat transport Ocean heat transport Ocean heat transport is the movement of thermal energy by currents from one region to another. It redistributes heat between the tropics, higher latitudes, and the atmosphere, shaping regional climates.
Ocean circulation : The large-scale movement of seawater through surface currents, deep currents, and vertical exchange. Heat transport is a thermal consequence of this movement of seawater.
Atlantic meridional overturning circulation : The Atlantic basin's overturning circulation, involving northward upper-ocean flow and southward deep return flow. Its northward upper branch carries substantial heat toward the North Atlantic.
Ocean current : A sustained, directed flow of seawater within the ocean. Currents are the moving pathways through which ocean heat is transported.
Atmospheric heat transport : The movement of thermal energy by atmospheric circulation from one region to another. The atmosphere also carries heat poleward, alongside the ocean's contribution.
Wind-driven ocean circulation : Ocean circulation generated mainly by winds transferring momentum to the sea surface. Winds drive surface currents that carry heat across ocean basins.
Gulf Stream : A strong western boundary current carrying warm water from the Gulf of Mexico along eastern North America. It is a prominent example of poleward heat transport by a western boundary current.
Seawater density : The mass per unit volume of seawater, influenced chiefly by temperature, salinity, and pressure. Density differences help drive currents that move heat through the ocean.
Ocean heat uptake : The transfer of excess energy from the climate system into the ocean, increasing its stored heat. Uptake concerns heat entering and accumulating in the ocean, not its redistribution by currents.
Thermohaline circulation : Large-scale circulation linked to seawater density differences caused by temperature and salinity. Density-driven currents transport heat through the deep ocean and connect ocean basins.
North Atlantic Current : A current system that carries relatively warm water northeastward from the North Atlantic toward European seas. Its heat release influences temperatures and marine conditions in the northeastern Atlantic.
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