Deep Ocean Circulation

 

 

 

Because of thermohaline circulation, water moves by differences in salinity and temperature of several different water masses. North Atlantic Deep Water, Pacific Deep Water, Mediterranean Deep Water, and Antarctic Deep Water masses naturally separate out by density, as a result of density stratification. This circulation and separation occurs deep within the ocean. Deep ocean currents and surface currents are connected and sometimes called the oceanic conveyor belt to describe the redistribution of heat through water. This movement is critical to the climates of the globe.