The Hydrosphere and The Global Ocean

Understandings:

• Liquid water in great abundance makes Earth unique among the planets of the solar system.

• Water cycles through the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and biosphere.

• Circulation patterns in the oceans are driven by density differences and by exchange of momentum with the atmosphere.

The Oceans on Google Earth from National Geographic

Recall that 71% of the earth's surface is covered by water and more than 97% of all our water is contained in the ocean.

More than one-half of the world's population lives within 60 miles (100 km) of the ocean.  The Ocean's ability to absorb, store, and release heat into the atmosphere is huge and often directly affects us. In fact, just the top 10 feet of the ocean surface contains more heat than our entire atmosphere.

Major climate events, such as El Niño, result from ocean temperature changes. These temperature changes then have impacts on weather events such as hurricanes, typhoons, floods and droughts which, in turn, affect the prices of fruits, vegetables and grains.

What makes up the Global Ocean?