In it's fundamental terms, the Gulf Stream is the circulation of equatorial heated water, and polar cooled water. As the sun's rays heat the water along the equator it is moved westward by the rotation of the earth. Striking the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean the current is redirected up along the east coast of the United States. Traveling along the east coast the Gulf Stream provides vital nutrients for aquatic life. Then the stream takes an eastward direction and begins traveling toward Europe. When the stream reaches Europe and the UK it warms the surrounding region. Climatologists predict, given Europe's high latitude, that if the Gulf Stream didn't exist it would be 5-10 degrees (C) colder. After passing Europe the stream diverges: one stream goes north toward the pole, while the other descents toward Africa. The northerly route is then met by freezing 0-degree (C) water near the pole, in addition to gaining salinity, as a result the stream descents like a waterfall through the layers of the ocean. This now submerged stream turns around and travels south. Moving below the Gulf Stream, past the equator, and all the way down to Antarctica where it meets other southerly currents. Meanwhile, the African route of the stream re-encounters the equatorial heating zone and thus continues the cycle of the Gulf Stream.