what is the gulf stream

The Gulf Stream is a warm and swift Atlantic ocean current that originates in the Gulf of Mexico and flows through the Straits of Florida. It is typically 100 km (62 mi) wide and 800 to 1,200 m (2,600 to 3,900 ft) deep, and has an average speed of four miles per hour (6.4 kilometers per hour). The Gulf Stream is part of a general clockwise-rotating system of currents in the North Atlantic, and is fed by the westward-flowing North Equatorial Current moving from North Africa to the West Indies. As warm water flows from the equator to the poles, it cools and some evaporation occurs, which increases the amount of salt. Low temperature and a high salt content means high density and the water sinks deep in the oceans. The cold, dense water also moves slowly. Eventually, it gets pulled back to the surface and warms in a process called “upwelling” and the circulation is complete. The Gulf Stream has a significant impact on weather and climate, influencing the climate of the east coast of Florida, keeping temperatures there warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer than the other southeastern states. It also extends towards Europe, warming western European countries and ensuring that the climate of Western Europe is much warmer than it would otherwise be.