Society for Science and the Public
Science News for Students: Climate Change Could Stall Atlantic Ocean Current
When carbon dioxide levels rise, the currents slow, which leads to temperatures dropping because of the lack of water movement. Europe could suffer as a result of this change.
NOAA
Noaa: Tropical Atmosphere Ocean Project
This site introduces you to one of the most ambitious projects now studying the influence of the ocean on climate. Links are available to related sites and to sources of real-time data.
Climate Literacy
Clean: What Happens to Ice in Water?
Students investigate the properties of water in the ice and liquid phase as it relates to convection in the ocean and density driven circulation, and ultimately the climate.
Other
Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute: Home Page
Use this excellent site to search the volumes of material available at MBARI about the ocean and climate.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mit: Blossoms: Will an Ice Cube Melt Faster in Freshwater or Saltwater?
Engage learners in the study of the ocean and saltwater with these activities. Students will see that saltwater has different physical properties than freshwater - mainly density. This lesson can serve as a springboard into other...
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Great Ocean Conveyor Belt: Part I
This image from GRID-Arendal depicts the major circulation pattern of the ocean, illustrating interactions between temperature, salinity, and depth. Includes a background reading handout and several discussion questions.
Climate Literacy
Clean: Ocean Currents and Sea Surface Temperature
To discover the link between ocean temperatures and currents as related to our concern for current climate change.
University of Southern California
University of Southern California: Ocean Currents and Climate
The climate of our planet is greatly affected by Earth's oceans. Learn here about the different oceanic currents and the role those currents play on climate.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Earth Science: Surface Ocean Currents
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Describes how wind patterns and other factors cause ocean surface currents.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Earth Science: How Ocean Currents Moderate Climate
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] How ocean currents transfer heat from one place to another.
Institute of Global Environment and Society
Iges: Homepage
This site allows you to access a great deal of information about the link between ocean and climate. Latest El Nino/La Nina predictions and maps are one of many data sets featured.
Libre Text
Libre Text: Ekman Spiral and Transports
This article defines the basis of wind-driven circulation, including the Ekman spiral and transports.
NASA
Nasa Earth Observatory: Ocean and Climate Fact Sheet
Read about Earth's oceans and the effects that climate have had on the rising temperatures over the past one hundred years. Discover how the Earth's ocean and atmosphere are interlocked so that when one changes, the other is affected.
Morning Earth
How Life Works: Biosphere Is Process: Atmosphere and Ocean Currents
Learners examine the Earth science topic of oceanography. The tutorial consists of definitions and pictures on atmosphere and ocean currents.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Earth Science: How Ocean Currents Moderate Climate
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Looks at how ocean currents transfer heat from one place to another.
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Australian Broadcasting Corporation: News in Science: Churning Sea Surprises Ocean Watchers
From ABC News in Science, this article examines the role that ocean currents play in global warming and climate issues. The article covers the impact of the Antarctic circumpolar current and its affect on surrounding oceans.
NOAA
Noaa: Pmel: Noaa: What Is La Nina?
At this site from the Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory, you can find out the characteristics of La Nina. You can find out about the lastest La Nina and the places it effected. Links are provided for additional information.