Gulf Stream currents carry warm water across the Atlantic and moderate the climate of nearby coasts.

The longer version

Warm tropical water travels poleward along the continental margin as a fast, narrow western boundary current. Trade winds pile surface water westward, and planetary rotation concentrates the return into a band running close to the coast rather than spreading it evenly.

Air crossing above picks up heat and moisture, so downwind land stays milder in winter and wetter than inland places at the same latitude. Rings pinch off along its edge and redistribute warmth locally. Changes in the flow shift storm tracks, sea surface temperature and where fish concentrate along the shelf. Its strength also varies from year to year, nudging coastal conditions accordingly.

Where this entry sits

Oceans and Sea Life looks at the salt water that covers most of the planet, from crashing waves and tides to the darkest deep-sea trenches. Expect notes on coral, fish, whales, sharks, jellyfish, shells, and the strange creatures that live far below the surface. The full list sits on the Oceans and Sea Life page, where every entry is listed in order.