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Examine global surface currents
http://www.classzone.com/books/earth_science/terc/content/visualizations/es2401/es2401page01.cfm?chapter_no=visualization

Exploring Earth, TERC

This visualization examines the relationship between global wind direction and the direction and temperature (warm vs cold) of the ocean surface currents. Placing a cursor over the map superimposes surface wind patterns so the correlation between ocean currents and surface winds can be emphasized.

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Topics

Ocean and Climate
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Climate Data
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Grade Level

Middle (6-8)
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High School (9-12)
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Climate Literacy
About Teaching Climate Literacy

Covering 70% of Earth's surface, the ocean exerts a major control on climate by dominating Earth's energy and water cycles. It has the capacity to absorb large amounts of solar energy. Heat and water vapor are redistributed globally through density-driven ocean currents and atmospheric circulation. Changes in ocean circulation caused by tectonic movements or large influxes of fresh water from melting polar ice can lead to significant and even abrupt changes in climate, both locally and on global scales.
About Teaching Principle 2
Other materials addressing 2b

Benchmarks for Science Literacy
Learn more about the Benchmarks

Transfer of thermal energy between the atmosphere and the land or oceans produces temperature gradients in the atmosphere and the oceans. Regions at different temperatures rise or sink or mix, resulting in winds and ocean currents. These winds and ocean currents, which are also affected by the earth's rotation and the shape of the land, carry thermal energy from warm to cool areas.
Explore the map of concepts related to this benchmark

Notes From Our Reviewers The CLEAN collection is hand-picked and rigorously reviewed for scientific accuracy and classroom effectiveness. Read what our review team had to say about this resource below or learn more about how CLEAN reviews teaching materials
Teaching Tips | Science | Pedagogy | Technical Details

Teaching Tips

  • Useful for studying the relationship between direction and temperature of ocean surface currents and local and regional climate.

About the Science

  • This visualization shows location, temperature (cold vs warm), and direction of surface ocean currents. There is an option to overlay global wind currents.
  • Passed initial science review - expert science review pending.

About the Pedagogy

  • Overlay of wind currents presents additional layer of complexity that needs to be unpacked to make sense to students.

Technical Details/Ease of Use

  • Simple interface, easy to use.

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