Why Coastal Climates Are Mild and Foggy

Next Generation Science

This educational video provides a clear and accessible introduction to coastal climates, also known as oceanic climates. It explains how proximity to the ocean influences local weather patterns, resulting in milder seasons with less temperature variation compared to inland continental climates. The narration breaks down the scientific reasons behind these patterns, specifically focusing on the heat capacity of the ocean versus land masses. The video explores key characteristics of coastal regions, such as the prevalence of clouds and fog caused by the interaction of water vapor with cool ocean temperatures. It uses distinct visual examples, including the famous fog of San Francisco and the sunny beaches of Australia's Gold Coast, to illustrate these concepts in real-world settings. Teachers can use this video to support units on weather, climate zones, and geography. It effectively bridges the gap between abstract climate definitions and observable weather phenomena, making it an excellent resource for explaining why different parts of the world experience different weather conditions despite being at similar latitudes.