The Gulf Stream is a strong ocean current that brings warm water from the Gulf of Mexico into the Atlantic Ocean. It extends all the way up the eastern coast of the United States and Canada before heading towards Western Europe. The current is vital to global climate because it provides moderating temperatures on neighboring land areas of the east coast of North America, the coasts of Western Europe and northwestern Africa, and other coastal areas along its path. But a new study indicates that Atlantic Ocean circulation is at its weakest in over a millennium, which could have dire implications for the planet.
Intrigued? Then click through and read more about the Gulf Stream and why it's so important to global climate.