he: __ Date: __ 3. How do ocean currents affect the temperature of coastal regions? __

Ocean currents play a significant role in regulating the climate of coastal regions. They act as a conveyor belt, transporting heat from the equator towards the poles and vice versa. This heat transfer affects the temperature of coastal regions in several ways:<br /><br />1. **Warm Ocean Currents**: When a warm ocean current, such as the Gulf Stream in the North Atlantic, flows towards a coast, it can raise the temperature of the air above it. This can lead to warmer winters and cooler summers in coastal regions compared to inland areas at the same latitude.<br /><br />2. **Cold Ocean Currents**: Conversely, cold ocean currents, like the California Current in the North Pacific, can lower the temperature of the air above them. This can result in cooler temperatures in coastal regions, especially during the summer months.<br /><br />3. **Upwelling**: In some regions, ocean currents bring nutrient-rich cold water to the surface, a process known as upwelling. This can lead to cooler temperatures and can also affect the local marine ecosystem.<br /><br />4. **Climate Moderation**: By transporting warm and cold water across the globe, ocean currents help moderate the climate of coastal regions. They can reduce temperature extremes, making climates more temperate and less prone to extreme weather events.<br /><br />5. **Precipitation Patterns**: Ocean currents can also influence precipitation patterns. For example, warm currents can lead to more evaporation, which can increase rainfall in coastal regions.<br /><br />In summary, ocean currents affect the temperature of coastal regions by transporting heat, influencing air temperatures, and affecting precipitation patterns. The specific impact depends on the characteristics of the current (warm or cold) and the regional climate context.