Warm- and Cold-Core Rings
• Warm-core rings are rotating warm masses of water surrounded by colder water. Example: Warm water areas in the Sargasso Sea water surrounded by cool water (Figure 9.14).
• Cold-core rings are cold masses of water surrounded by warmer water.
These spinning rings can last for years and serve as refuges for sea life (warm and cold water) and can influence storm development (such as intensifying or reducing hurricane intensity). Core rings typically have unique biological populations.