Because of its high heat capacity, the water in the world oceans is an enormous reservoir for thermal energy. It serves to temper world climate, absorbing heat from the Sun in the tropics and redistributing it to more northerly regions via the great ocean currents. For this reason, the Gulf Stream is able to bring its warmth thousands of kilometers from the tropics to the European shores before cooling to the temperatures of Arctic watersBecause of its high heat capacity, the water in the world oceans is an enormous reservoir for thermal energy. It serves to temper world climate, absorbing heat from the Sun in the tropics and redistributing it to more northerly regions via the great ocean currents. For this reason, the Gulf Stream is able to bring its warmth thousands of kilometers from the tropics to the European shores before cooling to the temperatures of Arctic waters