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    Type
    Class activities
    Theme
    Ocean and Cryosphere
    Also available in other versions: English version French version Spanish version

    Lesson C6 - Ocean's thermal inertia and climate regulation (advanced students)

     

    MAIN SUBJECTS

    Natural sciences

    DURATION

    Preparation: 15min

    Activity: 1h

    SUMMARY

    Through a documentary analysis and an experiment, the students learn about the role of the ocean’s thermal inertia (compared to the land) in climate regulation.

    KEY IDEAS

    • The oceans absorb most of the solar radiation reaching the Earth (approximately 70% of the Earth is covered by oceans).

    • The oceans are an important heat sink and have already absorbed 90% of the heat from global warming.

    • The oceans’ capacity to absorb heat and their large thermal inertia contribute to regional and global climate regulation.

    • The large thermal inertia of the oceans means that they cool down slowly when cooled and warm up slowly when heated.

    • The oceans contribute to a mild climate – warmer winters and cooler summers – along the coastlines.

    INQUIRY METHOD

    Experimentation; documentary analysis

     

    C6 EN

     

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