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Deep convection
is a key component of the ocean’s role in Earth’s
climate. Strong winter cooling of surface waters causes
them to become denser than water below them, which allows
them to sink and mix with deeper water. This process releases
heat from the overturned water to the atmosphere and maintains
northern Europe’s moderate winter climate. The Great
Salinity Anomaly interrupted this process as its pool
of fresher water prevented convection.[back]
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