Oceans
Oceans cover 70% of the surface of the Earth. Water is much better than air at storing heat and the oceans of the world store an immense amount of energy, much more than the atmosphere. Since oceans are in contact with air, heat can flow between the oceans and the atmosphere. Consequently, oceans can have a major influence on the Earth's climate.
Like wind in air, water in the oceans flows in a series of currents, both near the surface and also deeper down. This moves heat all over the world, principally from areas nearer the equator to areas nearer the poles. If this did not happen the equator would be much warmer than it is and the poles would be much colder.
Scientists now know that ocean currents have changed in the past. Sometimes they may change direction, slow down, reverse or even disappear altogether. This has a major impact on climate. Changes in ocean currents have been suggested as a possible explanation for climate changes that occurred at the end of the last Ice Age 14,000 years ago. They may also play a significant role if the world heats up due to global warming in the 21st century.
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