IB ESS SL 2.4.6 Ocean Heat Distribution Question Bank
Explain how ocean currents and heat capacity distribute energy around the planet.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2026
- Course
- ESS SL
- Level
- SL
Exam points
- identify the climate or biome pattern in the evidence
- apply circulation, heat or precipitation relationships
- justify impacts using climate-system processes
2.4.6—Ocean heat distribution question 1
[Maximum number: 4]
Outline how ocean circulation systems affect climate.
High amounts of sunlight energy are absorbed by the oceans at the equator/tropics;
b. The ocean has an interconnected current, or circulation;
c. Ocean currents distribute that heat/move warm water/humidity/precipitation from the equator/tropics to the poles;
d. Ocean currents transport cold water from the poles back to the equator/tropics;
e. Currents are driven by wind/tides/Earth's rotation/solar energy/water density differences;
f. Regions at higher latitudes therefore have warmer climates than they would be without ocean circulation;
g. Example of warm current from equator toward poles such as Angola or Gulf stream / example of a cold current from poles to equator such as Humbolt;
h. Example of the prediction that the loss of the Greenland ice sheet affecting the Gulf stream resulting in a colder Europe;
Note to examiners:Award [1 mark] for each properly identified and explained ocean circulation process that affects climate.
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