Hannah Schriefer, Stephanie Westaway, Aisling Chaffin, Ryan Faraj, and Billy WebBer
Aisling Chaffin
Meteorology
The Caribbean and many other areas in the Atlantic ocean have very nice climates that attract many visitors. The ocean in these areas are relatively warm. The temperature of the water is determined by its proximity to the equator. The water in the deep ocean is much colder than the water near the beach. The temperature in the Caribbean in the fall is 83.5°F (28.6°C) and during the summer about 86°F. The temperature drops to about 71°F in the winter. The climate of the ocean biome does not change much with the seasonal changes. "Trade winds" and currents are very high in the south Atlantic ocean and often cause storms in the middle of the ocean. Winds and currents in the southern hemisphere flow in the opposite direction from the northern hemisphere (a.k.a. The Coriolis Effect.) There are also many storms that brew in the middle of the ocean at almost all times of the year.
The best time to travel to the Caribbean is during the summer months because that is when the water is typically the warmest and the weather is sunny. It is important to pack a bathing suit, snorkel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, shorts, sandals, a towel, an umbrella, a beach ball, and short sleeve shirts on a trip to the Caribbean. Also, bring a light jacket for the windy nights on the beach. |