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My NASA Data - Ocean Currents and Sea Surface Temperature

Grade level: 9-12
Theme: climate
Activity: http://mynasadata.larc.nasa.gov/preview_lesson.php?&passid=9

The purpose of this activity is to discover the link between ocean temperatures and currents as related to our concern for current climate change.

After completing this activity, students will:

	•	Know how differential heating of Earth results in circulation patterns in the atmosphere and oceans that globally distribute the heat.
	•	Know the relationship between the rotation of Earth and the circular motions of ocean currents and air in pressure centers.
	•	Make predictions by linking current scientific satellite data to concerns about global climate change.

 
Student Outcomes 
After completing this activity, students should be able to:

Describe how changes in the ocean's circulation can produce large changes in climate. (C: 9-12)

Key:  C = climate / O = ocean circulation / T = 21st century technology / W = water cycle