Anthropogenic greenhouse forcing has trapped large amounts of heat energy in the atmosphere. Much of that energy is absorbed by the ocean, changing the heat content of the oceans and shifting equilibria.

Sea ice is melting, weather patterns are changing, and intense storms are increasing in severity. Not only do these cause changes on land, but they also cause further changes to the ocean itself. Increased evaporation in tropical areas is causing regional salinization. When this extra water is dumped back into the ocean elsewhere, usually in polar latitudes, it causes regional freshening. Since much of the ocean circulation is fueled by density gradients, there is potential for change in the Great Ocean Conveyor Belt and any change will significantly affect regional and global climate patterns.