Ch 10: Oceans & Climate
About This Chapter
Oceans & Climate - Chapter Summary
In this chapter, our instructors present the topics of climate and oceans. You'll study the characteristics, influences and effects that oceans and climates have on each other. Once you complete this chapter, you should be ready to:
- Outline the influences on the Coriolis Effect
- Detail the effect ocean circulation has on climate
- Identify the characteristics of several ocean zones
- Understand the influence continents and oceans have on global pressure distribution
Take your time as you complete this chapter, and feel free to go back and review these lessons as many times as needed. Our video lessons are easily navigated using the video tabs feature found in the Timeline. We've provided a great way to test your knowledge with our lesson quizzes and chapter test. You're welcome to contact an instructor if you have any questions.

1. The Coriolis Effect: Definition & Influences
In this lesson, we'll be looking at the Coriolis Effect: what it is and how it influences the way we perceive the movement of objects while here on Earth. When you're done, you'll be able to test your newfound knowledge with a quiz.

2. Ocean Circulation: Patterns & Effect on Climate
The ocean waters are always in motion and as they travel around the globe they carry and distribute heat, which affects the global climate. Learn about the ocean circulation patterns and how they impact the climate.

3. Characteristics of Different Ocean Zones
The oceans can be divided into horizontal and vertical zones. These divisions help us better understand the characteristics of these vast bodies of water. Learn what these zones are in this lesson.

4. How Continents & Oceans Influence Global Pressure Distribution
The movement of air in Earth's atmosphere is driven by several variables, including differences in pressure. Here we will examine how the presence of land and ocean affect differences in pressure, followed by a brief quiz to test your knowledge.
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Other Chapters
Other chapters within the M-STEP Science - Grade 11: Test Prep & Practice course
- Scientific Inquiry & Reflection
- Earth Systems Overview
- Energy & Biochemical Cycles in Earth Systems
- Human Impacts on Earth Systems
- Advanced Rock Cycle
- The Interior of the Earth
- Plate Tectonics Theory
- Earthquakes & Volcanoes Overview
- Hydrogeology Overview
- Weather and Storms
- The Earth & Sun as a Part of a Galaxy
- Basics of Earth History & Geologic Time
- Climate Change
- Transformation of Matter & Energy in Cells
- Living Organism Composition
- Interdependence of Living Systems & the Environment
- Ecosystems & Populations
- DNA & Mutations
- Mitosis & Meiosis
- Evolution & Biodiversity
- Physics & the Motion of Objects
- The Physics of Forces & Motion
- Forms of Energy
- Basics of Waves
- Light, Electricity & Nuclear Reactions
- Energy Transfer & Conservation
- Properties & States of Matter
- Chemical Changes in Matter
- M-STEP Science - Grade 11 Flashcards