The oceans are the major source of the atmospheric moisture that is obtained through evaporation. The coldest zones are in the high latitudes, with the coldest regions corresponding to the areas covered by sea ice. Ocean currents contribute to climatic control by transporting warm and cold waters to other regions. Adjacent land areas are affected by the winds that are cooled or warmed when blowing over these currents. In general winds tend to transport moisture and warm or cool air over land areas.
Hurricanes develop in the southwestern North Atlantic Ocean.
The Atlantic Ocean appears to be the youngest of the world's oceans. The Atlantic has been extensively explored since the earliest settlements were established along its shores. The Vikings, Portuguese, and Christopher Columbus were the most famous among its early explorers. After Columbus, European exploration rapidly accelerated, and many new trade routes were established. As a result, the Atlantic became and remains the major artery between Europe and the Americas.