Gulf stream

The Gulf Stream is a powerful warm current in the Atlantic. It originates in the [Gulf of Mexico]? and runs past the east coast of the United States towards Newfoundland. Its extension toward Europe is called the North Atlantic drift. The Gulf stream is one of the strongest ocean currents known.

The term "Gulf stream" is sometimes used about the sum of what is described above and the North Atlantic drift.

As it travels north, some of the warm water transported by the Gulf stream evaporates. This increases the salinity of the water in the stream, and in the north Atlantic the water is so cold and heavy with salt that it begins to sink. It then becomes a part the North Atlantic Deep Water, a southgoing stream.

The effect of the Gulf stream is sufficient to cause certain parts of the west of Britain and Ireland to be an average of several degrees warmer than most other parts of those countries. Indeed, in Cornwall, and particularly the Scilly Isles, its effects are such that plants associated with much warmer climes, such as palm trees are able to survive the rigours of northern winters. [Logan Botanic Garden]? in Scotland benefits strongly from the Gulf Stream, allowing their specimens of [Gunnera Manicata]? to grow to over 3 metres tall.