GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The great conveyor belt plays a major part in distributing the Sun’s heat around the globe after it has been absorbed by the ocean. In fact, if it wasn’t for this flow, the equator would be much hotter, the poles would be much colder, and western Europe would not enjoy as warm a climate as it currently does.

Detailed explanation-2: -If the currents were to stop completely, the average temperature of Europe would cool 5 to 10 degrees Celsius. There would also be impacts on fisheries and hurricanes in the region. The currents in the North Atlantic are part of a global pattern called thermohaline circulation, or the global ocean conveyor.

Detailed explanation-3: -The ocean circulation conveyor belt helps balance climate. As part of the ocean conveyor belt, warm water from the tropical Atlantic moves poleward near the surface where it gives up some of its heat to the atmosphere. This process partially moderates the cold temperatures at higher latitudes.

Detailed explanation-4: -Ocean currents, including the ocean conveyor belt, play a key role in determining how the ocean distributes heat energy throughout the planet, thereby regulating and stabilizing climate patterns.

Detailed explanation-5: -If the current continues to slow, it could disrupt weather patterns throughout the midlatitudes. Parts of the North Atlantic may cool, while areas farther south along the U.S. East Coast may get warmer. In fact, some data suggests these processes already are starting to happen.