= Meridional overturning circulation
<Meridional overturning circulation> connects upper and deep ocean transports with vertical exchange. Surface density changes help form deep water, while winds, mixing and interbasin exchange contribute to the global return pathways. Its heat, carbon and nutrient transport affects climate and ocean ventilation. The <Atlantic meridional overturning circulation> is its Atlantic-basin expression, not a synonym for every wind-driven current in that basin.
Back to article page
