In which zone is the ocean temperature most affected by the weather?

1 answer

The ocean temperature is most affected by the weather in the mixed layer, which is the upper part of the ocean that is directly influenced by atmospheric conditions. This layer typically extends from the surface down to about 200 meters (656 feet), although its depth can vary depending on factors such as location and season.

In the mixed layer, the temperature can change rapidly due to weather events, such as storms and wind patterns, which mix the surface waters. Additionally, solar heating from the sun plays a significant role in warming this layer. As you go deeper into the ocean, the temperature changes much less over short time frames, making the deeper layers less responsive to immediate weather variations.