Question 1
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.