How do ocean currents affect both water and air temperatures? Use the Humboldt Current and Gulf Stream as examples

What will be an ideal response?


Ocean currents can affect land temperatures in different ways, depending on whether it is a warm or cold current. For instance, cool ocean currents along midlatitude and subtropical west coasts of continents moderate air temperature on land (e.g., the Humboldt (Peru) Current). Such land areas (e.g., Lima, Peru) may have cooler climate than expected by climate. Conversely, warm currents (such as the Gulf Stream) move warm waters to cooler areas. The Gulf Stream, in particular, moves warmer water into the North Atlantic, helping mitigate temperatures in areas that would be much cooler if driven by latitude, alone (e.g., Iceland).

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

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Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences