1. Ocean & Climate
Notes
Topics 2 & 3

2. Ocean & Atmosphere Both are tightly linked
Changes in external factors can alter the temperature and circulation of patterns in both atmosphere and climate systems

3. External Forces External Forces – The Sun’s energy
The distribution of plants and species
Emission of greenhouse gases
These can all change the climate and thus change our weather.

4. Internal Forces
Because the ocean and atmosphere are turbulent they can also generate their own internal fluctuations.
Turbulent = disturbed, changing, agitation
Think of it like our body,
when we get sick our internal temp. increases
When we get overworked our temp. increases
We can also lower it so we do not get a fever.

5. Short Term Changes
These are all short term fluctuations of wind and temperature.
Any short term fluctuation in wind and temp can in turn change the currents and temperature of the underlying Ocean
One causes the other (never ending pattern)

6. Ocean stores HEAT
The ocean plays a critical role in storing Heat and Carbon.
Earth’s surface heats and cools quicker than the Ocean heats and cools.
This is because Fluids diffuse temperature slower because,
Mixing of deep water and surface water
Molecules of water are not as close together as molecules of a solid

7. Maritime Climate
Continental Climates – the climate conditions due to the continents
High fluctuations
Maritime Climates – Climate conditions due to the Oceans
Also called Oceanic Climates
Very constant