Thermohaline circulation

Large-scale density-driven circulation in the ocean, caused by differences in temperature and salinity.

In the north Atlantic, the thermohaline circulation consists of warm surface water flowing northward and cold deepwater flowing southward, resulting in a net poleward transport of heat.

The surface water sinks in highly restricted sinking regions located in high latitudes

Source: ACIA  Glossary

Arctic thermohaline circulation

Source: ACIA Impacts of a Warming Arctic 

GreenFacts Summary on Arctic Climate Change:

• 3.2 How can Arctic warming affect ocean currents?

Arctic Climate Change

Climate Change