Ocean Heat Capacity

Definition

Ocean heat capacity refers to how much heat energy can be absorbed by seawater without significantly changing its temperature. The high heat capacity of oceans helps regulate Earth's climate by absorbing and storing large amounts of heat.

Related terms

Thermal Expansion: The increase in volume or size of matter when heated. In relation to oceans, thermal expansion contributes to sea-level rise.

Global Warming Potential (GWP): A measure of how much a greenhouse gas can contribute to global warming over a given time period.

Albedo Effect: The ability of different surfaces (such as ice or forests) to reflect sunlight back into space, affecting Earth's overall temperature.