Ocean Currents and Climate Change

Questions and Answers

What is the potential outcome if the amount of greenhouse gases continues to increase according to many scientists?

Earth will significantly become warmer

What are some consequences of Earth's atmosphere becoming overloaded with carbon dioxide?

Climate disruption and disastrous consequences

How can agriculture be affected by global warming?

Farmland can become too hot and dry to support agriculture

What are some impacts of global warming on polar glaciers and water levels?

Polar glaciers will melt and water levels will rise Signup and view all the answers

What are some examples of public health threats due to climate change?

Air pollution, extreme heat, infectious diseases, drought, flooding, and extreme weather Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of ocean currents in transferring heat to the atmosphere?

They help transfer heat to the atmosphere. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of upwelling in the ocean?

It keeps ocean temperatures cooler and brings valuable nutrients from the ocean bottom to the surface. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when El Niño strikes?

Warm water current flows from west to east across the Pacific Ocean near the equator and down the western coast of South America. Signup and view all the answers

How often does El Niño occur?

Every two to seven years. Signup and view all the answers

What is the greenhouse effect?

The greenhouse effect is when Earth's atmosphere traps heat energy from the sun, warming the environment. Signup and view all the answers

What are scientists trying to determine about El Niño's influence on climate patterns?

They are trying to determine the extent of El Niño's influence on climate patterns. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ocean Currents and Climate

Ocean currents help transfer heat to the atmosphere, generating global winds.
Changes in wind patterns can cause changes in ocean currents, which in turn affect climate.
Upwelling occurs when warm waters move out to sea, and cold, deep waters rise to the surface, bringing valuable nutrients with them.

El Niño

El Niño is a warm water current that flows from west to east across the Pacific Ocean near the equator and down the western coast of South America.
It occurs when the winds that cause upwelling fail to blow, resulting in a "heat wave" in the ocean.
El Niño strikes every 2-7 years, bringing dramatic changes in world climates.
It can cause droughts, heavy rains, and severe flooding in different regions.

Climate Change

The greenhouse effect is the natural process by which the Earth's atmosphere traps heat energy from the sun, warming the environment.
However, an overload of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, disrupts the climate, leading to disastrous consequences.
If the amount of greenhouse gases continues to increase, the Earth will significantly become warmer, affecting living things and ecosystems.

Effects of Global Warming

Heat waves, wildfires, floods, and droughts are occurring worldwide due to global warming.
Rising water levels will submerge coastal regions and melt polar glaciers.
Climate change poses serious public health threats, including air pollution, extreme heat, infectious diseases, drought, flooding, and extreme weather.

Description

Explore the relationship between ocean currents, global winds, and climate change in this quiz. Learn about the importance of upwelling in keeping ocean temperatures cooler and bringing valuable nutrients to the surface. Discover the impact of phenomena like El Niño on the climate system.