Ocean, Atmosphere & Climate

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What is ocean current?

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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.

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What is El Niño?

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A climate pattern that describes the unusual warming of surface waters in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, which can disrupt normal weather patterns.

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What are the effects of El Niño?

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Droughts, flooding, and changes in fish populations, which can affect agriculture and economies.

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How does distance from the equator affect temperature?

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Locations closer to the equator receive more direct sunlight, resulting in higher temperatures compared to locations further away.

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What is the role of ocean currents in climate?

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Ocean currents help regulate temperatures by transporting warm and cool water across different regions, influencing weather patterns.

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What is the Coriolis effect?

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The Coriolis effect is the deflection of moving objects, such as air and water currents, caused by the rotation of the Earth.

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What is the greenhouse effect?

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The process by which certain gases in Earth's atmosphere trap heat, keeping the planet warm enough to support life.

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What are trade winds?

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Persistent winds that blow from east to west in the tropics, influencing ocean currents and weather patterns.

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What is the difference between weather and climate?

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Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, while climate is the long-term average of weather patterns in a specific area.

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What is a climate zone?

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A region of the Earth with distinct climate characteristics, such as tropical, temperate, or polar.