In the mid-latitudes, seasonal sea level change is primarily controlled by heating and cooling in the upper oceans. This allows oceanographers to observe seasonal changes in the world's ocean surface. This has lead to an improved understanding of the oceans' role in climate change.
Water has a high heat capacity .
Thus, the oceans heat and cool more slowly than the land or the atmosphere. The purpose of this activity is to stimulate a discussion about sea surface height and the high heat capacity of water. It can be completed in one of several ways. The way you choose to present the images may depend upon the equipment available. Alternatively, you can print color versions for students to work with, or print a color transparency to use on an overhead projector.