The sun is the principal source of energy for oceans, as for anything else on this earth. Apart from that, the ocean is also heated by the inner heat of the ocean itself.
Sources of Heat
- Absorption of radiation: Absorption of radiation from the sun is maximum over low latitude regions due to vertical insolation and longer duration of daylight.
- Short wave radiation from Sun:
- 50 % of Sun Insolation is absorbed by Ocean and land.
- The ocean is the largest heat collector from the Sun as Ocean covers 71 % of the earth’s surface.
- It decreases steadily towards poles.
- Even within the same latitude, the solar insolation received by the ocean varies due to factors such as currents and cloudiness.
- Short wave radiation from Sun:
- Convectional currents: The convectional currents in the water body also heat up the oceanic water.
- Since the temperature of the earth increases with increasing depth, the ocean water at great depths is heated faster than the upper water layers in the ocean.
- So, a convectional oceanic circulation at the bottom layers of ocean water takes place causing circulation of heat in water.
- Surface wind and Tidal currents: Kinetic energy is produced due to friction caused by the surface wind and the tidal currents which increase stress on the water body. Thus the ocean water is heated.
- Direct heating from Air
- Heat gains from Land
- Heat Gains from Earth’s interior
- Heat Gains from the biological process
- Heat gains from the friction of water molecules through the wave, current, etc.
Processes That Cool Ocean Water
- Back radiation from the sea surface
- Convection of sensible heat to the atmosphere
- Evaporation
FAQs on Sources Of Ocean Heat
Ques 1.What are the primary sources of heat that contribute to the warming of the oceans?
Ans. The primary sources of heat that contribute to the warming of the oceans include solar radiation, which accounts for the majority of heat input, as well as heat transfer from the atmosphere and geothermal heat from the Earth’s interior.
Ques 2. How does solar radiation heat the oceans?
Solar radiation heats the oceans through the absorption of sunlight by the water surface. The top layer of the ocean absorbs most of the incoming solar radiation, and this heat is then distributed and transferred throughout the ocean depths through processes like conduction, convection, and ocean currents.
Ques 3. Are human activities also contributing to ocean heating?
Yes, human activities play a significant role in ocean heating. The burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and other industrial processes release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which trap heat and contribute to global warming. As the atmosphere warms, it transfers heat to the oceans, leading to increased ocean temperatures. Additionally, the discharge of heated water from industrial processes or power plants can directly warm localized areas of the ocean.
Read Also : Temperature Of Ocean On Earth
