Why do some coasts have much colder seas than nearby tropical waters?
Quick Answer
Cold ocean currents and upwelling bring deep, chilly water to the surface. That lowers sea surface temperatures even in low latitudes.
The Full Story
Ocean currents transport heat around the planet, and some currents carry cold water from higher latitudes along western coastlines. Upwelling can intensify the cooling by bringing nutrient-rich deep water to the surface when winds push surface water away from shore. This is why regions such as the coast of Peru and the Namibian coast can be much cooler than nearby inland or tropical areas. Cold surface water also affects rainfall, often making nearby coastal deserts drier.
Key Facts
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Suggested video title for this topic:
"Why can the ocean freeze the heat out of a tropical coastline?"
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