Because the current is warmer than the surrounding atmosphere, the air above the water convects and forms clouds . ... (It is the Trade Winds themselves that cause this by pushing Sun-warmed surface waters toward Asia.) The counter current (however it got started) carries some of that warm water back to Hawaii.
Is the water always warm in Hawaii?
The Hawaiian Islands' near-shore water temperatures remain comfortable throughout the year . The average water temperature is 74° F (23.3° C), with a summer high of 80° F (26.7° C). Wave action varies dramatically between island coasts and seasons. Summer waters are typically gentle on all beaches.
Why do tropical areas have warmer water?
The tropics are particularly rainy because heat absorption, and thus ocean evaporation , is highest in this area. ... Ocean currents act much like a conveyor belt, transporting warm water and precipitation from the equator toward the poles and cold water from the poles back to the tropics.
Why are Hawaii waters so clear?
The natural currents continually bring a fresh supply of ocean water to the island . ... Warm surface water in tropical areas have low nutrient concentrations. This limits the amount of zooplankton and phytoplankton which would otherwise cloud the water some.
Why is California's water so cold?
The water along the coast of California is cold for a couple of reasons. First, the California Current brings cold water from Alaska southward along the coast . And second, cold water from the deep ocean comes up to the surface through a process called upwelling. ... So water from the deep ocean is sucked to the surface.
Are there sharks in Hawaii?
There are about forty species of sharks that occur in Hawaiian waters, ranging in size from the deep-water pygmy shark (about 8 inches) to the whale shark (up to 50 feet or more). About eight species are somewhat common in nearshore waters. ... Sharks have extremely well-developed sensory capabilities.
Can you swim in ocean in Hawaii?
Hawaii is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world: turquoise waters, silky sand, and never a day too cold to swim. You're sure to have plenty of fun, but to ensure a thoroughly safe, enjoyable visit to our stunning shores, it's important to take appropriate precautions.
How can a large body of water affect climate?
Large bodies of water, such as oceans, seas and large lakes, can affect the climate of an area. Water heats and cools more slowly than landmasses . Therefore, the coastal regions will stay cooler in summer and warmer in winter, thus creating a more moderate climate with a narrower temperature range.
Why tropical countries are hot?
This is because as the dry air descends from high altitudes, its compression leads to an increase in its temperature . ... Therefore, air temperature in the tropics (42 degrees Celsius) is greater than that of the Equator (30 degrees Celsius). This is why tropical regions are hotter than the Equator.
Which current is the largest in all the world's oceans?
The world's largest ocean current, the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (21,000 km in length) moves perpetually eastward here and transports 130,000,000 m3 of water per second—100 times the flow of all the world's rivers combined.
What island has the clearest water?
1. The Maldives . The Maldives, located in the Indian Ocean, have around 1,190 islands and sandbanks. A lagoon with crystal clear water encircles all the islands, which are protected by a reef structure that is home to an array of underwater life.
Is it cheaper to go to Hawaii or the Bahamas?
Overall, The Bahamas is about 7% more expensive than Hawaii .
Where is the clearest water in the world?
- Exuma, Bahamas. ...
- Porthcurno, Cornwall, England. ...
- Shoal Bay, Anguilla, Caribbean. ...
- The Maldives. ...
- Navagio Bay, Zakynthos, Greece. ...
- Zamami, Okinawa, Japan. ...
- Boracay Island, Palawan, Philippines. ...
- Isla Perro (Dog Island), San Blas, Panama. Dog Island.
Where is the warmest ocean water in California?
The warmest ocean water of the year in California lies off Newport Beach and Santa Catalina Island in August when temperatures average 70 degrees F (21 °C).
Can you swim in the ocean in California?
Beach-goers can enjoy swimming and bodysurfing near the coastline , which provides calmer waters than the point breaks farther into the water. The beach extends for three miles from Huntington Beach City to Seal Beach and provides bathrooms and cleaning stations for swimmers.
Is it safe to swim in the ocean in California?
Can I Swim at My Coastal Beach? The vast majority of the time, California's waters are open and available for recreation uses visitors enjoy. Unfortunately, there are times when it is not advisable to go in the waters due to bacterial contamination. ... Closures – Prohibitions on uses of water.
