Ocean Currents

Ocean Currents

Ocean currents are a factor in determining the climate of a place. Much as in the air and rock cycles, convection circulates water in currents. This is caused by the movement of cold water to hot. Warm water flows from the equator and cold from the poles. This movement is interrupted or altered by large landmasses.

Global Ocean Currents. Note the Gulf Stream and the current meeting near Newfoundland.

In Ontario, the ocean currents have little direct effect on the climate but the climate of southern Ontario is influenced by the Great Lakes. The summers and winters are moderate. Temperatures are warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer than places at the same latitude in the rest of Canada.

Ontario – Great Lakes – Nearness to Water

Large bodies of water, such as oceans, seas and large lakes, can affect the climate of an area. Water heats and cools more slowly than landmasses. Therefore, the coastal regions will stay cooler in summer and warmer in winter, thus creating a more moderate climate with a narrower temperature range.