The sun's energy is the primary source of heat for the ocean, warming the surface waters, particularly in the tropics where sunlight is most direct. This heat is then distributed through ocean currents, influencing regional and global temperatures. The amount of sunlight absorbed by the ocean varies with latitude, with the equator receiving more direct sunlight and thus warmer surface temperatures compared to the poles.
Direct Heating:
Sunlight is absorbed by the ocean surface, converting light energy into heat and causing a rise in water temperature.
The angle at which sunlight hits the Earth's surface varies with latitude.At the equator, sunlight is more direct, leading to higher surface temperatures compared to the poles, where sunlight is spread over a larger area.
Sunlight penetration decreases with depth, meaning that the surface layers of the ocean are warmer than the deep ocean, which remains cold.
Surface ocean currents, driven by wind and influenced by solar energy, transport warm water from the tropics towards the poles, and cold water from the poles towards the tropics, influencing regional and global temperatures.
