Global energy distribution

Before we can investigate how global environments have been altered naturally through changes in global wind and ocean currents, we must first look at the driving forces behind these patterns.

Energy is not evenly distributed over the Earth's surface. Not only does it vary from season to season, but it also varies with location. You will be aware that the further you travel away from the equatorial regions, the cooler the climate becomes. Locations closer to the sea generally have a milder and more even climate than those at an equivalent latitude further from the major oceans. Consider the climates of Glasgow and Moscow. Moscow experiences much colder winters and warmer drier summers than Glasgow (at approximately the same latitude). Oceanic currents can also significantly moderate climatic conditions. Consider the Scandinavian coastline. At latitudes of 60°N or higher, most of the Norwegian coastline is kept ice-free all year round. This is in total contrast to the Eastern Canadian coastline of Newfoundland where ice bergs can be seen floating all year round at much lower latitudes. This is due to the Gulf Stream, a warm current that originates in the Caribbean and carries up warm tropical water to high latitudes along the Western European coast. Adiabatic processes cause temperatures to drop the higher the altitude, so that regions at high elevation experience cooler climates than those at sea level.