5. Heating of Earth’s surface and atmosphere by the sun drives convection

within the atmosphere and oceans, producing winds and ocean

currents. As a basis for understanding this concept:

a. Students know how differential heating of Earth results in circulation

patterns in the atmosphere and oceans that globally distribute the heat.

b. Students know the relationship between the rotation of Earth and the circular

motions of ocean currents and air in pressure centers.

c. Students know the origin and effects of temperature inversions.

d. Students know properties of ocean water, such temperature and salinity, can

be used to explain the layered structure of the oceans, the generation of

horizontal and vertical ocean currents, and the geographic distribution of

marine organisms.

e. Students know rain forests and deserts on Earth are distributed in bands at

specific latitudes.