A New View on the Water Cycle

Ray Schmitt

Senior Scientist
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Dr. Schmitt earned his Ph.D. in Physical Oceanography from the University of Rhode Island. His research interests include oceanic mixing processes such as "salt fingers" and the oceanic freshwater cycle. Read more about Dr. Schmitt here.

Webinar Clip
Dr. Schmitt discusses the role that heat plays in warming the ocean and fueling the water cycle. He makes the case for a more globalized view of the water cycle, as the ocean plays a very large role in the process.

Full webinar: Salinity's Connection to Climate Change and an Accelerated Water Cycle

Click here for a transcript of this clip (PDF, 43.2 KB).

Resources
Applicable Science Standards
  • Asking Questions and Defining Problems Asking Questions and Defining Problems. A practice of science is to ask and refine questions that lead to descriptions and explanations of how the natural and designed world(s) works and which can be empirically tested.
  • Developing and Using Models Developing and Using Models. A practice of both science and engineering is to use and construct models as helpful tools for representing ideas and explanations. These tools include diagrams, drawings, physical replicas, mathematical representations, analogies, and computer simulations.