What role do convection cells play in ocean currents?

Convection cells play a crucial role in ocean currents by creating patterns of movement that influence the flow of water masses. As warm water rises and cool water sinks, it generates a cycle that helps distribute heat throughout the ocean. This process leads to the formation of major ocean currents that affect climate and weather patterns around the globe. Ocean currents, generated by these convection cells, transport warm water from equatorial regions to the poles and cold water from polar regions back to the equator. This movement is essential for regulating temperatures and nutrient distribution in marine ecosystems.

The other options do not fully capture the specific function of convection cells. Stabilizing temperature, for instance, is a broader consequence of ocean currents but not the direct role of convection cells themselves. Similarly, while convection can influence salinity in some contexts, it is not primarily concerned with reducing variations in salinity. Evaporation rates are also affected by various factors, such as temperature and humidity, rather than being directly increased by convection cells.