The Energy Source
The ability to make things move or change; in this unit, it refers to heat from the sun
Energy
A distance north or south of the equator, measured in degrees.
Latitude
The mixture of gases (air) that surrounds the Earth.
Atmosphere
A continuous, directed movement of sea water
Ocean current
A climate pattern that describes the unusual warming of surface waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean
El Niño
Energy that comes directly from the sun’s rays.
Solar Energy
The imaginary line around the middle of the Earth that receives the most direct sunlight.
Equator
A measure of how hot or cold the air is in a specific location.
Air temperature
An ocean current that flows along the top layer of the ocean, pushed by wind.
Surface current
Something that happens in a regular or repeated way
Pattern
To move from one object to another or one place to another.
Transfer
The North and South points of the Earth where solar energy is least direct.
Poles
The general weather patterns in an area over a long period of time.
Climate
Winds that blow consistently in a specific direction over a particular part of the world.
Prevailing winds
An event or process that leads to a result
Cause
To take in or soak up (ex: The Earth’s surface takes in solar energy)
Absorb
An area of land located right next to the ocean.
Coastal
The typical or “middle” value in a set of data (ex: the typical yearly temperature)
Average
When an object (like a current) hits something and is forced to change its path.
Deflection
A change that is a result or consequence of an action or cause
Effect
The outside layer of something, such as the land or the top of the ocean.
Surface.
An area of land located far away from the ocean.
Inland.
The scientific study of climate
Climatology
A large, continuous landmass that can redirect the flow of ocean currents.
Continent
A sequence of events where one event causes the next, leading to a final effect.
Causal Chain