In the North Atlantic Ocean, the contrast between frigid, dry winter air and
warm water draws heat from the ocean into the atmosphere and
leaves ocean water colder and denser. The denser waters sink and feed into the lower limb
of a global system of currents often described as the Ocean
Conveyor. The process, called deep convection, has far-reaching affects on climate.
(Illustration by Jack Cook, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)[back]
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