Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments (AEPA) Practice Exam

To understand why ocean currents primarily influence world weather patterns, it's essential to recognize their role in the global climate system. Ocean currents transport warm and cold water around the planet, which affects the climate of coastal regions and can have far-reaching effects on global weather. For instance, the Gulf Stream carries warm water from the Gulf of Mexico across the Atlantic Ocean, significantly influencing the climate in Western Europe, making it milder than other regions at similar latitudes. Additionally, ocean currents help regulate temperatures by distributing heat, impacting evaporation rates, and contributing to the formation of weather systems like hurricanes. They can also influence precipitation patterns and seasonal weather changes by altering moisture levels in the atmosphere. While atmospheric pressure, solar radiation, and the geography of the land also significantly impact weather, ocean currents serve as a crucial mechanism for heat and moisture exchange. Their dynamic movement and interactions with the atmosphere make them key players in shaping global weather patterns and climates.