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Effects of Ocean Currents on Climate 1. Heat Distribution: Warm currents (e.g., Gulf Stream) transfer heat from the equator to higher latitudes, warming nearby coastal areas. Cold currents (e.g., Californi a Current) transport cold water from polar regions to lower latitudes, cooling adjacent coastal areas. 2. Weather Patterns: Currents influence atmospheric circulation, affecting precipitation and storm formation. Warm currents often lead to humid conditions, while cold currents contribute to arid climates. 3. Moderation of Temperatures: Coastal regions experience less temperature variation due to the heat storage and transfer capacity of ocean currents. 4. Marine Ecosystems: Currents distribute nutrients, supporting marine life, which indirectly impacts regional weather (e.g., El Niño and La Niña events). 5. Global Climate Regulation: Ocean currents are part of the thermohaline circulation, regulating Earth's overall climate balance. + More - Less