Why does ocean temperature change little from day tonight?

Answer and Explanation: The air temperature along the coast varies throughout the day and night but the ocean temperature remains constant the water in the ocean has an important property that makes the ocean temperature become less variable. This property is specific heat. The water has a high heat capacity.



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Ocean temperature also doesn't vary much over a 24 hour period, less than 1 degree. So for those yet to experience a night-swim, because actual air temperature can drop, but the sea stays the same, the water may feel warmer at night.

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Not much heat moves into the lower levels of the ground. The heat that the ocean absorbs is mixed with the lower water quickly. That mixing spreads the heat around. At night, while the land cools off quickly, the water at the surface is kept warmer because the water is mixed around with the warmer water underneath.

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“Antarctic bottom water” is the coldest, saltiest water on the planet. These waters play a crucial role in the ocean's ability to act as a buffer against climate change by absorbing excess heat and human-caused carbon pollution. They also circulate nutrients across the ocean.

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