Final answer:
Ocean currents transfer heat from the equator towards the poles, which helps regulate the Earth's climate by distributing absorbed solar energy from warmer to cooler regions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ocean currents play a crucial role in the Earth's climate by transporting heat from the equator to the poles. This movement of heat is facilitated by the vast storage of solar energy in the oceans, which is most pronounced around the equatorial regions. As the water warms, it carries the heat with it towards the poles, contributing to the milder maritime climates and smaller temperature variations in these regions compared to continental climates.
The Southern Ocean, for example, exhibits a clear interaction at the Subtropical Convergence where the colder, denser waters from the south sink beneath the warmer waters from northern oceans. This creates a zone beneficial for marine life. Moreover, ocean currents can significantly modulate the climate by its ability to absorb heat, showcasing the high specific heat of water as compared to land which allows it to store and transport heat effectively.
Based on this understanding, the correct answer to the student's question would therefore be option C. Heat from the equator; the poles, reflecting the ocean currents' action of distributing thermal energy across the planet.