The Influence Of Wind

The Influence of Wind/Ocean Currents on Weather

By Jala Rizq, Karolina Skruch, and Paloma D’Silva

How does wind influence weather?

How do ocean currents influence weather?

The Role of Prevailing Winds

What is the moderating effect? • The moderating effect of water causes land masses near bodies of water to be cooler in summer and warmer in winter. • It reduces the temperature range in land masses near bodies of water.

Why does this happen? • In winter, the heat absorbed in the water moderates the cold air over land. The cold air picks up characteristics of the water, making the overall temperature warmer. • This effect also increases cloud cover, which further aids in moderating temperatures. • In summer, the cold air from the clouds moderates the warmer air masses.

What is El Nino? • A major warming of the equatorial waters in the Pacific Ocean is known as El Nino. • El Nino events usually occur every 3 to 7 years, and are characterized by shifts in "normal" weather patterns.

Why does this happen?