How Does the Ocean Affect Global Weather Patterns?

The ocean moves heat around the world, like a giant blanket. When it’s warm near the equator, it helps create big weather changes far away, like storms and cold seasons in places that are usually warm.

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The warm water from the ocean brings extra heat to Europe, which is why it's milder than other places at the same latitude.
When the ocean gets cold, it can cause heavy snow in the United States during winter.
A strong current can send a big storm across the Atlantic, like when Hurricane Sandy hit New York.

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Categories: Environment · ocean,weather patterns,climate change