How the Ocean Affects Climate

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to how the ocean affects climate, including terms related to ocean currents, climate patterns, and energy transfer.

Ocean Currents

Movement of water along a certain path in the ocean.

Surface Current

An ocean current in the upper 100 m of water, driven by global winds.

Upwelling

The process where cold, deep water rises to the surface to replace surface water that is moved away.

Coriolis Effect

The effect that causes surface currents to curve due to Earth's rotation.

Continental Deflection

The change in direction of surface currents when they meet continents.

Gyres

Large spiral surface current systems formed by ocean currents.

Density Current

Ocean currents that flow deep in the ocean due to differences in water density from temperature and salinity.

Global Ocean Convection Cycle

A system of surface and density currents that transfers energy throughout the ocean.

Thermohaline Circulation

The global ocean convection cycle emphasizing heat and salt in ocean currents.

El Niño

A climate pattern with warmer than usual sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, affecting global weather.

La Niña

The opposite of El Niño, characterized by cooler sea surface temperatures in the Pacific.

Gulf Stream

A warm surface current in the Atlantic Ocean that moderates climates along some U.S. and European coasts.

California Current

A cold surface current that flows south along the west coast of North America.

Upwelling

The rise of nutrient-rich cold water from the deep ocean to the surface.

Solar Energy

Energy from the sun that warms ocean water, influencing climate patterns.

Temperature Regulation

The ocean's ability to absorb and release heat, helping to control temperatures on Earth.

Thermal Energy

The energy produced by heat, which is stored in the ocean.

Equator

The imaginary line that divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres; where ocean temperatures are typically warm.

Poles

The regions at the northern and southern ends of the Earth; typically colder ocean temperatures.

Climate Patterns

Recurring trends in weather conditions influenced by ocean currents and temperatures.

Mass Transfer

Movement of energy in the ocean from warmer to cooler areas.

Oceanic Circulation

The large-scale movement of water through the oceans, driven by various factors including wind and temperature.

Warm Air Advection

The movement of warm air toward the land from warm ocean currents.

Moisture Transport

The process where humidity from warm ocean water impacts coastal weather.

Nutrient-Rich Waters

Cold water that rises during upwelling, containing nutrients that support marine life.

Surface Temperature Map

A graphical representation of the temperature of ocean surface waters.

Satellite Measurements

Technical observations used to collect data on sea surface temperatures.

Climatic Influence

The impact of ocean currents on the climate of nearby coastal regions.

Long-term Climate Change

Changes in climate patterns that occur over extended periods due to variations in ocean currents.

Moist Air Formation

The process that occurs when warm air originating from the ocean mixes with cooler air.

Surface Water Temperature

The temperature of the upper layer of ocean water influenced by solar energy.

Ocean Stratification

The layering of water in the ocean based on temperature and salinity differences.