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What causes climate and weather?
Distribution of Land and Water
On a hot day, land can heat up much more than oceans. But on a cold day, the oceans retain some of their heat and can be warmer than the land. This is because of the difference in heat capacity between land and seawater.
In general, temperature ranges are more moderate over the oceans than over the land.
Ocean Currents
Ocean currents carry millions of gallons of water around the globe. Currents
(like the Gulf Stream) that flow poleward from the Equator carry warm water into
relatively cool environments, while currents that flow from the Poles carry cold
water into relatively warm environments.
Along the western boundaries of several large landmasses, there is a different kind of ocean current - one that flows upward and brings cold, deep seawater to the surface of the ocean. This causes cool temperatures and lots of fog in places like San Francisco.
Next page -> prevailing winds and mountains
Links and resources
Distribution of Land and Water
On a hot day, land can heat up much more than oceans. But on a cold day, the oceans retain some of their heat and can be warmer than the land. This is because of the difference in heat capacity between land and seawater.
In general, temperature ranges are more moderate over the oceans than over the land.
Ocean Currents
Ocean currents carry millions of gallons of water around the globe. Currents
(like the Gulf Stream) that flow poleward from the Equator carry warm water into
relatively cool environments, while currents that flow from the Poles carry cold
water into relatively warm environments.Along the western boundaries of several large landmasses, there is a different kind of ocean current - one that flows upward and brings cold, deep seawater to the surface of the ocean. This causes cool temperatures and lots of fog in places like San Francisco.
Next page -> prevailing winds and mountains
Links and resources
