Ocean & Climate Notes Topics 2 & 3

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

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.

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.

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)

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

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