How does ocean circulation affect global climate patterns?

Ocean circulation plays a crucial role in regulating global climate by distributing heat around the planet. Warm ocean currents, such as the Gulf Stream, transport heat from the equator toward the poles, while cold currents carry cooler water toward the equator. This movement of heat helps regulate temperatures, influences weather patterns, and affects precipitation distribution. Disruptions in ocean circulation, such as those caused by melting polar ice, can lead to significant changes in climate, including altered weather patterns, shifts in marine ecosystems, and changes in sea level.