Oceans, Atmosphere, Climate

Front

What is El Nino?

Back

El Nino is a climate pattern characterized by the warming of ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, which can affect weather patterns globally.

Front

What happens to air temperature when ocean temperatures increase due to El Nino?

Back

The air temperature at that location increases.

Front

What is an ocean current?

Back

An ocean current is a continuous, directed movement of seawater generated by various forces acting upon the water, such as wind, the Coriolis effect, and differences in water density.

Front

What is the Coriolis Effect?

Back

The Coriolis Effect is the deflection of moving objects, such as air and water, caused by the rotation of the Earth, influencing weather patterns and ocean currents.

Front

What is the equator?

Back

The equator is an imaginary line that divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, located equidistant from the poles.

Front

How does energy from the sun affect the Earth's surface?

Back

Energy from the sun is transferred to Earth's surface and the air above, warming them and driving weather and climate systems.

Front

Where are the warmest ocean surface temperatures found?

Back

The warmest ocean surface temperatures are found at the equator.

Front

What is climate?

Back

Climate refers to the long-term average of weather conditions in a particular area, including temperature, humidity, and precipitation.

Front

What is the difference between weather and climate?

Back

Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, while climate is the average of those conditions over a longer period.

Front

What role do oceans play in climate regulation?

Back

Oceans absorb and store heat from the sun, influencing global temperatures and weather patterns.