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Chapter 13-1 Ocean Circulation and Seasons. 2/08. Oceanic Circulation Patterns. It takes a great deal of energy to change the temperature of water. Because of this water has a dramatic effect upon the climate of different parts of the Earth. Galapagos Penguin.
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Oceanic Circulation Patterns • It takes a great deal of energy to change the temperature of water
Because of this water has a dramatic effect upon the climate of different parts of the Earth Galapagos Penguin
Most of the time currents remain relatively stable carrying cold water to some regions and warm water to others Upwelling at Monterey Bay
El Nin~o • Normal Ocean circulation is sometimes interrupted by periodic changes • 6-18 month changes in cold and warm water in the Pacific
Winds strengthen and push warm water east • More rain in southern US and equatorial South America • La Nina is just the opposite
Pacific Decadal Oscillation • 20-30 year change in location of warm water masses in the Pacific
Other effects upon Climate • Topography – Rain shadow effect • Solar maximum • Large scale volcanic eruptions - cooling
Seasons • 23.5 degree tilt on axis • Angle of sun’s rays changes during year • Divide into four parts of the year • Winter solstice, vernal equinox, summer solstice, and autumnal equinox