Tiefenströme
Tiefenströme, a German term that translates to "deep currents," refers to the slow-moving, dense layers of water that circulate in the ocean's depths. These currents are primarily driven by differences in water density, which are influenced by temperature and salinity. Colder, saltier water is denser and tends to sink, while warmer, less saline water is less dense and floats above. This vertical movement initiates a gradual, global circulation pattern.
The formation of deep currents is a crucial component of the ocean's thermohaline circulation, also known as
These deep currents play a vital role in regulating Earth's climate by transporting heat and nutrients across