How do oceans affect climate

Ocean circulation

Remember that incoming solar radiation is not evenly distributed around the globe - most of it is centered near the Equator. Also, recall that this differential heating creates circulation patterns in the atmosphere.

The winds in the air drive circulation patterns in the oceans, too. Primarily, the subtropical highs force ocean circulations in the middle latitudes of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

A second kind of circulation in the ocean is density-driven and is called the thermohaline circulation.







Next page   -> ocean circulation, continued

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