http://maps.grida.no/go/graphic/world-ocean-thermohaline-circulation1 , demonstrates the current system of currents that transfer heat throughout the oceans. Often called the "ocean conveyor belt," "thermohaline circulation":http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermohaline_circulation is what keeps northern Europe and North America from being all together too cold in winter because it brings hot water from the tropics which warms the air in those regions. Recently the thermohaline process has become quite popular to talk about because of increased cold, freshwater run-off coming from the polar ice caps. Scientists are saying that these effects could slow down, stall or even reverse thermohaline circulation and (worst-case scenario) plunge northern Europe and North America into a local ice age. Previously featured from UNEP on Map Monday: * "Deforestation in Borneo":http://duenos.net/article/432/MapMondayDeforestationinBorneo