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The oceans cover more than 70% of Earth’s surface and play a major role in regulating the weather and climate of the planet. Earth’s oceans absorb heat from sunlight, hold on to that heat, and transport it around the globe through the movement of ocean currents. The motion of the atmosphere, or winds above it, also affects the oceans currents. The energy in the wind gets transferred to the ocean at the ocean surface affecting the motion of the water there. With the use of sensitive instruments we are able to get a better view of the functioning of our oceans and atmosphere.
This science guide will point teachers and students to resources to help develop a better understanding of some of the factors that impact Earth's weather and climate. Sites with recent research and satellite data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and other organizations help students understand how changes in temperature or air circulation are part of complex, longer-term cycles. They'll also learn about the interconnections between air, sea, and land and that any change could have multiple causes—and multiple effects.
Understanding the influence of ocean conditions on Earth’s climate and monitoring changes in ocean conditions are key to predicting climate change. Developing a better understanding of the global water cycle can help us improve model forecasts of climate trends, predictions of short-term and regional weather events and their effects on human activities and natural ecosystems.
Looking to learn more? NSTA’s companion Oceans Effect on Weather and Climate SciPack offers self-paced learning for the teacher, with a certification option. To learn more about NSTA’s SciPacks go to: http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/scipacks.aspx.
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The oceans’ waters are always “on the move” and their movements influence weather and climate, as well as living conditions in the sea and on land for plants and animals. The water cycle, also called the hydrologic cycle, is the continuous movement of water on, above, and beneath Earth’s surface. Water can change states among liquid, vapor, and ice at various places in the water cycle, with these processes happening in the blink of an eye and over millions of years. Ocean currents flow in complex patterns affected by wind, the water's salinity and heat content, bottom topography, and Earth's rotation.
Keywords:
- The Water Cycle
- Surface Ocean Currents
- Deep Ocean Currents
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What is the difference between weather and climate? Weather is the air temperature, cloud cover, precipitation, wind, moisture content, and air pressure at any particular time in any particular place. Weather reflects the prevailing conditions of the air masses overlying the land and seas over the entire globe. Climate is the overall picture of weather during periods of seasons or years. Historical records of various sorts (including geological and recorded history) show us how the climate of Earth has changed throughout its history.
Keywords:
- Earth's Energy Source
- Convection Within the Atmosphere
- Atmospheric Pressure and Winds
- What Is Climate?
- Weather Patterns
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The ocean and the atmosphere are interconnected. They work together to move heat and freshwater across the globe. They form a closely related "dynamic duo." The wind-driven and ocean—current circulations accomplish this task for the ocean by moving warm water toward the poles and colder water toward the equator. Ocean currents of differing salinity also move freshwater from place to place.
The oceans can store much more heat than the land surfaces on Earth. The majority of the thermal energy at Earth’s surface is stored in the oceans. Thus, the absorption and movement of energy on Earth is related to the ocean-atmosphere system. Albedo is also important because the albedo of water is different from all other substances on Earth. Since the oceans have very low albedo due to its transparent nature, it is able to absorb much more energy. Another aspect to consider is the specific heat or thermal capacity of water verses land.
Keywords:
- El Niño/La Niña
- Energy in the Atmosphere
- Transfer of Energy from the Ocean to the Atmosphere
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Effects of Oceans on Weather and Climate SciGuide Map
A quick overview of the Effects of Oceans on Weather and Climate Science Guide
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See specific examples or "vignettes" of how to use the web based
resources found within this theme.
- Hot, Cold, Fresh, Salty
- Sunlight Intensity
- Earth’s Energy Budget
- Twisting the Air Away
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See immediately teachable lessons utilizing the
web based resources found within this theme.
- Hot, Cold, Fresh, Salty
- Sunlight Intensity
- Earth’s Energy Budget
- Twisting the Air Away
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Listen to teachers describe how they used the Web Guides (free mp3 player required)
- Hot, Cold, Fresh, Salty
- Twisting the Air Away
- Sunlight Intensity
- Earth's Energy Budget
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