Ocean Currents PDF

Ocean current What is the ocean current? An ocean current is a continuous, directed movement of ocean water. Warm ocean current North pole 90°N Equator 0° South pole 90°S Warm ocean current Warm ocean current Warm ocean currents have higher temperatures than the surrounding water and flow from the e...

Ocean current What is the ocean current? An ocean current is a continuous, directed movement of ocean water. Warm ocean current North pole 90°N Equator 0° South pole 90°S Warm ocean current Warm ocean current Warm ocean currents have higher temperatures than the surrounding water and flow from the equator towards the poles. Cold ocean current North pole 90°N Equator 0° Cold ocean current South pole 90°S Cold ocean current Cold ocean currents have lower temperatures than the surrounding water and flow from the poles towards the equator. How the cold ocean current affects climate Northern Hemisphere Land Warmer temperatures; more rainfall Ocean Warm ocean current Warm ocean currents can bring warm water to coastal areas, leading to higher temperatures (Warm climate). Warm ocean currents can lead to increased evaporation, which can create more humid conditions and more rainfall (wet climate) in coastal areas. How the cold ocean current affects climate Northern Hemisphere Land Lower temperatures; less rainfall Ocean Cold ocean current Cold ocean currents can bring cold water to coastal areas, leading to lower temperatures (Cold climate). Cold ocean currents can lead to decreased evaporation, which can create less humid conditions(dry climate) less rainfall in coastal areas. Ocean Currents Ocean currents, which are continuous, directed movements of ocean water, play a significant role in shaping regional and global climate patterns. (currents of water in the ocean, that are warmer or cooler than the water around them) Summary How do ocean currents affect climate? In terms of temperature, warm ocean currents can bring warm water to coastal areas, leading to higher temperatures. Cold ocean currents can bring cold water to coastal areas, leading to lower temperatures. How do ocean currents affect climate? In terms of precipitation, warm ocean currents can lead to increased evaporation, which can create more humid conditions and more rainfall in coastal areas. Cold ocean currents can lead to decreased evaporation, which can create less humid conditions and less rainfall in coastal areas.