|
|
How do oceans affect climate
Warm and Cold Pools
Throughout the year, the western Pacific Ocean has a very large area of water that is warmer than 80 F. The warm water heats the air, leading to convection and storms.
On the other side of the Pacific, water is pushed away from the South American continent by the wind. This allows deep ocean water to come to the surface. Aside from being very cold (less than 68 F), fish and birds love this water because it is very nutrient-rich. This makes the upwelling water very important to the people who live along the coast in South America.
Near the Equator, winds tend to blow from the east to the west. These winds
push the cold water westward into the Pacific in a tongue-like shape. This is
why it is called the "Pacific cold tongue".
Next page -> could "The Day After Tomorrow" really happen?
Links and resources
Warm and Cold Pools
Throughout the year, the western Pacific Ocean has a very large area of water that is warmer than 80 F. The warm water heats the air, leading to convection and storms.
On the other side of the Pacific, water is pushed away from the South American continent by the wind. This allows deep ocean water to come to the surface. Aside from being very cold (less than 68 F), fish and birds love this water because it is very nutrient-rich. This makes the upwelling water very important to the people who live along the coast in South America.
Near the Equator, winds tend to blow from the east to the west. These winds
push the cold water westward into the Pacific in a tongue-like shape. This is
why it is called the "Pacific cold tongue". Next page -> could "The Day After Tomorrow" really happen?
Links and resources
