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           | Description | 
           
             English: This map shows the pattern of  thermohaline circulation also known as "meridional overturning circulation". This collection of currents is responsible for the large-scale exchange of water masses in the ocean, including providing oxygen to the deep ocean. The entire circulation pattern takes ~2000 years. 
            Deutsch:  Thermohaline Zirkulation und die Entstehung von kaltem, dichtem Tiefenwasser im Nordmeer 
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           | Author | 
           Robert Simmon, NASA. Minor modifications by  Robert A. Rohde also released to the  public domain | 
          
          
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               This file is in the  public domain because it was solely created by  NASA. NASA copyright policy states that "NASA material is not protected by copyright unless noted". (See  Template:PD-USGov,  NASA copyright policy page or  JPL Image Use Policy.) | 
               
                
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