Environmental Sciences, asked by jakewhimelstein, 10 months ago

Describe the role/impact of ocean currents on the average temperature in the northern hemisphere and equator.

Answers

Answered by jlaugh770
0

Answer:

The sea impacts climate and atmosphere by keeping sun oriented radiation, appropriating warmth and dampness around the world, and driving climate frameworks.

Explanation:

One way that the world’s ocean affects weather and climate is by playing an important role in keeping our planet warm. The majority of radiation from the sun is absorbed by the ocean, particularly in tropical waters around the equator, where the ocean acts like a massive, heat-retaining solar panel. Land areas also absorb some sunlight, and the atmosphere helps to retain heat that would otherwise quickly radiate into space after sunset.

The ocean doesn't just store solar radiation; it also helps to distribute heat around the globe. When water molecules are heated, they exchange freely with the air in a process called evaporation. Ocean water is constantly evaporating, increasing the temperature and humidity of the surrounding air to form rain and storms that are then carried by trade winds. In fact, almost all rain that falls on land starts off in the ocean. The tropics are particularly rainy because heat absorption, and thus ocean evaporation, is highest in this area.

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