1. Oceans and Climate
Lesson 66

2. Ocean and Climate
The ocean covers more than 70% of the Earth’s surface.
Plays a major role in regulating the weather and climate of the planet. 
Understanding the influence of ocean conditions on the Earth’s climate and monitoring changes in ocean conditions are key to predicting climate change.

3. Ocean and Climate Ocean is crucial to heating the planet
The majority of the sun’s radiation is absorbed by the ocean.
Ocean acts a as massive, heat-retaining solar panel
Helps to distribute heat around the globe

4. Heat Distribution
Ocean water is constantly evaporating, increasing the temp. and humidity of the air to form rain and storms
Carried by trade winds, often vast distances.
Almost all rain that falls on land starts off in the ocean.
Tropics are rainy because heat absorption/ocean evaporation, is highest in this area.

5. How Does Ocean affect Climate?
Homework: Answer the following Questions
1. What role do oceans play in climate?
2. Why do we need to monitor changes in the ocean?