OCEANS AND CLIMATE Essential Questions

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: SC.912.E.6.5 Describe the geologic development of the present day oceans and identify commonly found features SC.912.E.7.2 Analyze the causes of the various kinds of surface and deep water motion within the oceans and their impacts on the transfer of energy between the poles and the equator

What are the Features of the Ocean Floor? Beneath the world's oceans lie rugged mountains, active volcanoes, vast plateaus and almost bottomless trenches. The deepest ocean trenches could easily swallow up the tallest mountains on land. Use the link below to learn about the features of the ocean floor in the interactive activity. http://www.harcourtschool.com/activity/science_up_close/518/deploy/interface.html

What are Surface Ocean Currents? Surface currents occur between the surface of the ocean and 400 m below. They are generated by wind (Trade winds and Westerlies) and the Coriolis effect. The oldest surface currents flow in circular patterns called gyres. Use the link below to learn about the different types of ocean currents. http://www.montereyinstitute.org/noaa/lesson08.html This animation is also used on the next slide.

What are Deep Ocean Currents? Deep ocean currents occur in the deep waters of the ocean and circulate throughout the entire ocean. Together, they are called the Global Conveyor Belt. They are generated by temperature, salt levels, density and gravity. Use the link below to learn about deep ocean currents. http://www.montereyinstitute.org/noaa/lesson08.html This animation is also used on the previous slide.

What Forces Drive the Global Conveyor Belt? The Global Conveyor Belt is driven by thermohaline circulation. Thermo, meaning temperature, refers to the transfer of heat energy through convection. Ocean waters are cooled at the Earth’s poles and warmed at the equator. Haline, meaning salt, refers to the process of high density saltwater falling and low density freshwater rising. Use the link below to watch a video that explains thermohaline circulation and its importance to climate. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGBaL3udkHI

How Do Ocean Currents Affect the Earth’s Climate? Ocean currents help to regulate the Earth’s climate by warming and cooling the air above them, thus moderating temperature extremes. They also impact ocean ecosystems through a process called upwelling. The uneven heating and cooling (convection) affects the climate Use the link below to learn how the ocean currents affect the Earth’s climate. http://www.montereyinstitute.org/noaa/lesson08.html Click on the Global Impact tab.

What is the Gulf Stream? Why is it Important? The Gulf Stream is one of the world’s largest and fastest surface currents. It’s warmth is largely responsible for the climate of Eastern North America and Western Europe. Use the link below to learn about the forces that power the Gulf Stream and how it affects the climate of Europe. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuGrBhK2c7U

What is El Nino and How Does it Affect the Earth’s Climate? El Nino is a shift in the normal distribution of ocean temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. When Easterly trade winds weaken, warm waters move eastward, altering coastal upwelling and climate conditions, predominantly in North America. Use the link below to learn about El Nino and its counterpart, La Nina. http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/ninonina.html

What is La Nina and How Does it Affect the Earth’s Climate? La Nina is a shift in the normal distribution of ocean temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. When Easterly trade winds become unusually strong, warm waters move westward, altering coastal upwelling and global climate conditions. Use the link below to learn about La Nina and its counterpart, El Nino. http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/ninonina.html