What are ocean temperatures?

Ocean temperatures are how warm or cold the water in the ocean is, just like how warm or cold your bathwater feels when you get into the tub.

Imagine the ocean as a giant bathtub that never stops filling up. Sometimes it gets sunny outside, and the water warms up, like when you leave your bathwater in the sun and it gets nice and toasty. Other times, it gets cloudy or rainy, and the water cools down, just like how your bathwater feels if you add a splash of cold water.

Scientists use special tools called thermometers that float in the ocean or are sent deep underwater, kind of like a thermometer you put in a glass of water to see how hot it is. These thermometers tell us exactly how warm or cool the ocean is at different places and times.

Ocean temperatures affect things like weather, fish, and even icebergs! If the ocean gets warmer, some fish might swim to new places, just like how you might move from one side of the bathtub to the other if it gets too hot.