The Gulf Stream passes from the Gulf of Mexico, northward along the coast of eastern North America, and eastward toward Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Scandinavia. Without the Gulf Stream, these regions would be colder than they are. How does the Gulf Stream keep these regions warm? A. It absorbs cold temperatures from the land. B. It washes floating ice sheets away from the coasts. C. It brings warm water, which heats the overlying air. D. It encourages evaporation, which makes the land dry and warm.