Unit 3: Oceans // Visuals

Animation(s)

Normal Pacific Ocean conditions: During non-El Niño conditions trade winds blow across the Pacific Ocean from west to east. View animation
Ocean conditions that create El Niño: Every 4-7 years, conditions in the Pacific Ocean create El Niño, a phenomenon in which normal trade wind patterns are reversed. View animation
Oceanic carbon cycling: Atmospheric organic carbon dioxide is processed through the marine food web. It is returned to the atmosphere and to the ocean floor where it can remain for a thousand or more years. View animation
Temperature variations in the Pacific Ocean: Winds are responsible for large temperature variations across the tropical Pacific, even though both ends of the ocean receive about the same amount of energy from sunlight. View animation

Photograph(s)

Coral reef in the Hawaiian islands: Coral reefs are among the most biologically diverse ecosystems on Earth. View image
Marine phytoplankton: Phytoplankton form the base of marine food webs. View image
Monsoon rain clouds near Nagercoil, India, August 2006: Monsoon rains are crucial to agricultural production in India. View image

Graphic(s)

Cold water masses: Water masses with different temperatures and salinities help to drive ocean circulation. View image
Ekman Spiral (current generated by a 10 meters/second wind at 35 degrees North): Ekman spirals contribute to ocean current patterns. View image
Global sea surface temperatures, July 1-4, 2005: Sunlight warms Earth unevenly, so ocean temperatures vary widely with latitude. View image
Layers of the ocean: Oceans are divided into zones that offer a wide range of conditions for life. View image
Normal and El Niño conditions: El Niño and La Niña affect weather and climate around the globe. View image
North Atlantic spring bloom, March 28, 2003 (Cape Cod to Newfoundland shown): The North Atlantic spring plankton bloom starts near Bermuda and spreads north past Iceland. View image
Ocean currents: Ocean currents flow in distinct patterns generated by wind, Earth's rotation, water heat content and salinity, and bottom topography. View image
Ocean trenches and the "Ring of Fire": The "Ring of Fire" is one of the most volcanically and seismically active regions on Earth. View image
Sea surface salinity values: Small variations in sea surface salinity can affect ocean circulation and the water cycle. View image
The biological pump: The biological pump transfers carbon from the atmosphere to deep ocean sinks. View image
Thermohaline circulation: The thermohaline circulation is a global current that moves water between ocean basins and from the surface to ocean depths. View image

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