Ocean circulation in the Atlantic Ocean

Most of the warm water flowing northwards from equatorial regions cools and sinks as it reaches the Arctic Ocean east of Greenland. Dense, cold water flows back south at depth. This circulation pattern is influenced by the sea ice that drifts from the central Arctic. Although the amount of sea ice varies with the season, it has a stabilising effect on the ocean currents. A major decrease in sea ice could have a significant impact on this balance.