1. Wind 2. Currents 3. Atmospheric precipitation 4. Wind waves 5. Current-transport of heat 6. Downwelling 7. Heat flow through the sea floor 8. Direct Solar radiation 9. Reflected Solar radiation 10. Evaporation 11. Upwelling 12. Synoptic eddy

The mass of the waters of the World Ocean is greater than 280 times the mass of the atmosphere, and thermal capacity of water has almost 1250 times more thermal capacity than the air.

The surface of the Ocean absorbs 99.6% of incoming solar radiation, and only 0.4% is reflected. Heat also flows into the ocean from the sea floor but this heat is very insignificant. The Ocean, therefore assumes the role of a large accumulator of heat, and serves as source of energy and motion for the water. Heat accumulated by the surface layer is only partially lost by intermixing in with deeper layers of the sea. Primarily, heat lost during evaporation is absorbed by the atmosphere. Warm water vapours travel long distances, where they are cooled and form clouds which give off precipitation. When water circulation occurs, heat is exchanged (as are gasses and other substances) between the Ocean and atmosphere. Clouds also form when the atmosphere is warmed. The non-uniformity of atmospheric warming above the Ocean also results in the origination of winds which, in turn, produce drifting currents and storms.

Distribution of permanent atmospheric pressure centres (Aleutian and Icelandic lows, Azores high, etc.) promotes the generation of steady winds forming a system of general circulation on the waters of the World Ocean, including such strong currents as the Gulf Stream and Kuroshio, etc. On the edges of these currents, huge gyres containing upwelling and downwelling areas and internal waves are formed.

The processes of air - sea interaction are most intensive in zones of large differences in water and air temperatures.

As an example of the correlation of processes between the Ocean and atmosphere we can cite the existence of "El-Nino". A small branch of the Pacific Equatorial counter-current called "El-Nino" usually operates in the open Ocean to the north of the Equator, and has no influence on the climate of the west coast of South America. However, in some years, an easing of the easterly winds in the eastern part of the tropical zone of the Pacific Ocean. As a result, upwelling of deep waters decreases and an excessive area of the surface waters at Equator are warmed. The subsurface Cromwell counter-current rises to the surface along the shores of western South America and strengthens a current called "El-Nino", which penetrates far to the south, diverting the cold Peruvian current. On the coast, there are strong winds and excessive rainfall. The sharp increase in water temperature along the coast results in a massive economic loss to the local fishing industry, particularly in the catch of the Peruvian anchovy.

The study of the appearance of "El-Nino" has shown that it has an effect on the climate of the entire planet.

The understanding of the processes of air-sea interaction extremely important for weather prediction. Scientists from different countries have united in their efforts and study air-sea interaction under international programs. The first of such activities was the realisation of the First Polar year (1882). In 1970, the large, International Program of Research of Global Atmospheric Processes (PIGAP) was adopted. The outcome of this program was that new data with regard to thermal and dynamic conditions of the waters of the World Ocean and overall thickness of atmosphere were obtained.

On the "POLEX-North" and "POLEX-South" expeditions organised pursuant to PIGAP, it was found that a sizeable amount of heat from Equatorial regions is transferred to polar areas by oceanic currents and not by the atmosphere, as was earlier thought.. Studies of air-sea interaction continue to be an important field of research and will be in the future.
 

Information provided by HDNO:  http://www.oceansatlas.com/unatlas/about/ContactInfoForHDNO.html