Ocean currents significantly shape global climate patterns by redistributing heat and regulating atmospheric conditions. They transport warm water from the equator toward the poles and cold water from the poles toward the equator, moderating global temperatures and influencing climate zones. For instance, the Gulf Stream warms Western Europe, while the California Current cools the west coast of North America. Additionally, ocean currents interact with the atmosphere to influence weather patterns, exemplified by phenomena like El Niño and La Niña, which cause global weather variations.

Gyres, such as the North Pacific Gyre, play crucial roles in marine ecosystems and weather. The North Pacific Gyre accumulates floating debris, creating the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, impacting marine life through ingestion and entanglement. It also influences regional weather by affecting sea surface temperatures and atmospheric pressure systems. Gyres impact biological productivity through upwelling and downwelling processes, bringing nutrient-rich deep water to the surface and supporting rich marine ecosystems, as seen off the coasts of Peru and California. Moreover, gyres are vital in the global carbon cycle, facilitating CO2 exchange between the ocean and atmosphere and contributing to carbon sequestration.

In summary, ocean currents and gyres are essential for regulating climate, weather, marine ecosystems, and the carbon cycle.