THE gulf stream (from English, Gulf Stream) is a warm ocean current from the North Atlantic Ocean that arises in the Gulf of Mexico, hence its name.
It is one of the best known and most important sea currents, being characterized as one of the strongest and most intense.
This current is responsible for warming waters, as it arises in an intertropical zone. It crosses the Atlantic Ocean and heads towards places with cold temperatures or temperate zones.
Gulf Stream Location
The Gulf Stream arises near the Gulf of Mexico, passes through the Florida channel between Florida and Cuba, and heads towards Europe.
Importance of the Gulf Stream
The Gulf Stream interferes with the climate of the European continent, being pushed by the movements of the winds towards northern Europe.
Thus, it heats up the portion of western Europe (Norway, Ireland, Great Britain) and thus prevents the freezing of certain areas.
Since it is one of the most intense, the surface of the Gulf Stream is responsible for dragging millions of algae and marine beings, at a temperature of approximately 28º.
Currently, one of the major problems facing the Gulf Stream has been the global warming. This is because glaciers in the Arctic melt, leading to the accumulation of ice on the surfaces. Thus, its intensity is reduced, so that it slows down the circular movement of the waters.
Scientists have proven the decrease in its flow or loss of intensity in certain areas close to the European continent, indicating a possible Ice age.
Thus, the decrease in its capacity changes the temperatures of places such as northwestern Europe, cooling the region.
What are marine currents?
At Ocean currents or oceanic are huge portions of water that move in the oceans and seas, directly influencing the climate of the regions of the Globe.
In the case of the Gulf Stream, the flow of its waters is obtained by the union of icy waters that descend to the bottom of the ocean. It starts from the surface in the Arctic with warm water from the south.
Curiosities about the Gulf Stream
- Part of the Gulf Stream occurs in the Antilles Sea.
- The flow of water from the Gulf Stream is very intense. It has about 100 times the flow of all rivers in the world.
- With the problem of global warming, current studies indicate that the Gulf Stream is acting about a quarter (¼) of its total capacity in recent years.
See too:
- Gulf of Mexico
- Caribbean Sea
