It is a global belt of surface and density currents that distribute ____________ around earth.

• A. Salt
• B. Thermal energy
• C. Nutrients
• D. Oxygen

Answer: (B)

The global belt of surface and density currents moves thermal energy around the planet. Surface currents carry warm water from the tropics toward higher latitudes, where it cools, becomes denser, and sinks; deep currents then bring cooler water back toward the tropics. This continuous loop acts as a planetary heat conveyor, helping to regulate climate and weather patterns. While currents do transport salt, nutrients, and oxygen as water moves, the defining effect described here is the redistribution of heat. That’s why thermal energy is the best fit for what this belt distributes.