What Drives the North Atlantic Drift?

Thermohaline Circulation

The Gulf Stream and North Atlantic Drift are surface expressions of the global thermohaline conveyor. Cold, salty water sinks in the North Atlantic, forming North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW) that flows south along the abyss. This deep flow pulls warm surface water northward, creating the Drift.

Climate Role

This “ocean conveyor” redistributes heat, warming northern Europe and preventing Arctic seas from freezing solid.

Vulnerability

Freshwater influx from melting Arctic ice and warming rivers could slow or shut down the circulation, with profound global climate consequences.