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How do winds and the ocean affect the weather?
The ocean influences weather and climate by storing solar radiation, distributing heat and moisture around the globe, and driving weather systems. 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.
How are winds generated in the atmosphere and how do they affect the ocean?
Ocean and wind currents are formed by a process known as convection. Both convection and pressure affect the flow of water and air. As air and water currents move from one area to another, they affect the general climate of the area they are moving into.
How does wind affect coastal energy?
As well as the fetch, the strength of the wind can affect the type of wave. Even in a narrow section of coast, strong winds associated with storm conditions can lead to destructive waves. These waves can cause wave quarrying where high energy waves smash against the cliff faces and remove chunks of rock into the sea.
How does wind affect the climate?
Wind carries moisture into an atmosphere, as well as hot or cold air into a climate which affects weather patterns. Therefore, a change in wind results in a change of weather. Additionally, heat and pressure cause the wind to shift direction.
How does wind effect the waves?
An onshore wind causes waves to break earlier, in deeper water and is more likely to create a type of wave called a spilling breaker. An offshore wind causes waves to break later, in shallower water and is more likely to create a type of wave called plunging breaker.
How are winds affected by the rotation of the earth?
Because the Earth rotates on its axis, circulating air is deflected toward the right in the Northern Hemisphere and toward the left in the Southern Hemisphere. This deflection is called the Coriolis effect. Click the image for a larger view. Coastal currents are affected by local winds.