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Understanding Global Change

Discover why the climate and environment changes, your place in the Earth system, and paths to a resilient future.

Understanding Global Change

Discover why the climate and environment changes, your place in the Earth system, and paths to a resilient future.

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Home → Glossary → ocean circulation

ocean circulation

The movement of large masses of water, called currents, that transport heat, marine organisms, nutrients, dissolved gases (such as carbon dioxide and oxygen), and pollutants all over the world. Ocean circulation is primarily the result of wind pushing on the surface of the water and density differences between water masses.

Learn more about ocean circulation.

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