Which warm ocean current originates in the Caribbean and flows along the southeast U.S.?

The Gulf Stream is a major warm ocean current that begins in the Caribbean Sea and flows up the eastern coast of the United States. It is well-known for its significant influence on the climate of the southeastern U.S. and beyond, affecting weather patterns and temperature moderation. This current carries warm water from the tropics northward, which helps to warm the coastal areas it passes, contributing to milder winters in places like Florida and the eastern seaboard.

Additionally, the Gulf Stream plays a crucial role in the North Atlantic Ocean's circulation system, impacting marine ecosystems and influencing fishing industries in the region. The warm waters transported by the Gulf Stream also have significant effects on storm development and trajectories, making it vital for understanding both oceanography and meteorology.

Other options mentioned do not fit the description of a warm ocean current flowing along the southeast U.S. For example, the Sargasso Sea refers to a region in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean, rather than a current. The Strait of Gibraltar is a narrow strait that connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea, and the Red Sea is an entirely different body of water located between Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Hence, the Gulf Stream is the only choice that accurately describes the warm current