Weather Dynamics:
Ocean Currents

How Weather is Affected by Ocean Currents

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Oceans are particularly important in weather dynamics. We have already seen that water, beacause of its relatively high heat capacity, will hold a considerably large amount of heat energy. Also we have seen that when water is warmed in one area convection currents will result.

Direct solar energy heats equitorial water more intensely than elsewhere on the globe starting convection currents. As the warm less dense water moves away from the equator, it is replaced by cooler denser water. These convection currents are also influenced by

1. the prevailing winds blowing on the surface
   
2. the twisting caused by the Coriolis effect
3. the shape of the continents
4. the salinety of the oceans

For a more complete note on Ocean Currents