Patterns of Air and Ocean Currents

Currents in the air and ocean affect our climate and weather. Weather – Short-term changes in temperature and precipitation.

Currents in the air and ocean affect our climate and weather. Climate – Weather over long periods of time in a specific area. Weather vs. Climate

Ocean and air currents are produced by uneven heating of the Earth’s surface.

Because of the Earth’s tilt, we get direct and indirect heat energy.

When the Earth tilts towards the Sun, we get direct heat energy.

When the Earth tilts away from the Sun, we get indirect heat energy.

The area of Earth’s surface getting direct heat energy gets warmer. The area of Earth’s surface getting indirect heat energy gets colder. Seasons and the Sun

Land, and water heat at different rates. Land absorbs the most heat because of its darker surface.

Land, and water heat at different rates. Water reflects most solar radiation that reaches its surface back to the atmosphere, so it absorbs heat slower than land. Uneven surface heating

This uneven heating affects the patterns of wind and ocean currents.

A major ocean current is the Gulfstream. It is a warm water “river” in the Atlantic Ocean.

The warm water in the Gulf Stream makes Ireland, Great Britain, and the Scandinavian countries warmer than they would be otherwise.

The Ocean: A Driving Force for Weather and Climate Review The Ocean: A Driving Force for Weather and Climate Up, Up & Away

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