Which current moves warm water from the tropics toward Europe?

Which current moves warm water from the tropics toward Europe?

• A. Canary Current
• B. Humboldt Current
• C. Gulf Stream
• D. California Current

Answer: (C)

Moving heat from the tropics toward higher latitudes is a key function of major ocean currents. The Gulf Stream carries warm Atlantic water northward from the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, up the eastern coast of North America, and across the Atlantic toward Europe. As it reaches the western edge of Europe, it becomes part of the North Atlantic Drift, helping to keep Western Europe milder than other regions at similar latitudes. The other currents you might recall are cold rather than warm: the Canary Current runs along NW Africa from north to south, bringing cooler water; the Humboldt Current flows along the west coast of South America; and the California Current moves cold water down the western coast of North America. None of these transport warm tropical water toward Europe, so the Gulf Stream is the one that fits the description.

Moving heat from the tropics toward higher latitudes is a key function of major ocean currents. The Gulf Stream carries warm Atlantic water northward from the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, up the eastern coast of North America, and across the Atlantic toward Europe. As it reaches the western edge of Europe, it becomes part of the North Atlantic Drift, helping to keep Western Europe milder than other regions at similar latitudes.

The other currents you might recall are cold rather than warm: the Canary Current runs along NW Africa from north to south, bringing cooler water; the Humboldt Current flows along the west coast of South America; and the California Current moves cold water down the western coast of North America. None of these transport warm tropical water toward Europe, so the Gulf Stream is the one that fits the description.