Horizontal distribution of the ocean temperature
The horizontal distribution of ocean temperature has an impact on global climate patterns, ocean circulation, and marine ecosystems. It plays a role in weather patterns, the formation of tropical cyclones and the distribution of marine life.
- The average surface water temperature of the oceans is around 26.7°C (80°F).
- This temperature gradually decreases as you move away from the equator towards the poles.
- The rate of decrease is typically around 0.5°C per degree of latitude.
- So, at 20° north and south latitudes, the average temperature is around 22°C (71.6°F), at 40° it’s around 14°C (57.2°F), and near the poles, it can approach freezing.
- Factors that affect the horizontal distribution of the ocean temperature are Sunlight, Ocean currents, Prevailing winds and Landmasses.
- The northern hemisphere has a slightly higher average ocean temperature compared to the southern hemisphere.
- This is because the northern hemisphere has more landmass, which tends to absorb more heat from the sun during summer and release it back into the atmosphere during winter.
Temperature of Ocean Water| Class 11 Chapter 12 Geography Notes
The ocean water temperature is directly affected by the amount of radiation received from the sun on the ocean surface. The latitudes are closer to the equator and receive direct sunlight all over the years the ocean surface is warmer in these regions where sunlight falls.
The ocean temperatures are different in terms of depth and longitude. There is an inverse relation between the depth and temperature of the ocean. Wherever in the ocean if the depth is deeper than the lower the temperature would be.
In this article, You will learn about the Temperature of ocean water, the Horizontal and Vertical distribution of the ocean temp, and many more related to the topic.
Temperature of Ocean Water| Class 11 Chapter 12 Geography Notes