The Importance of Ocean Currents

I learnt that the currents that circulate the world are important to the worlds weather. The Gulf Stream is a warm current that originates in the Gulf of Mexico and moves north towards Europe and since it is full of warm water the sea surface temperature is a warm then other areas at similar latitudes. I didn't know that places as far as Mexico to Europe could have such an effect on the seas temperature.

Also, I learnt that currents are important in navigation as well. Currents is essential to the reduction of shipping costs and fuel consumption. Today shipping and even sailing races often use currents to reduce the time at sea. Personaly, I didn't ever think about the navigation of ships..