SECLUDED METEOROLOGY:
MIDDLE OF OCEAN
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METEOROLOGIST JEFF HABY
This next series of 5 Haby Hints looks at 5 locations that are secluded and weather features that occur in the environment. It is also
assumed there is no access to modern technology. The first location that will be looked at is in the middle of the ocean such as in the
middle of the Pacific Ocean. This environment requires excellent navigation skills. In the middle of the ocean there is less to orientate
the location. The north and south position can be determined by determining the angle from the horizon to a celestial object in the sky. A
star such as the North Star can be used to know the general direction of north. The east west orientation is helped by the sun which
generally is located in the eastern sky in morning and the western sky at night. These clues in the sky help in knowing the position
at sea. The change in latitude while moving can be determined by the change is angle elevation of an object such as the North Star
in the sky. This technique does not work for longitude though. To get a relative sense of the change in longitude requires determining
the difference in time for example that the sun rises. Having an accurate clock will help do this.
The weather can range from sunny to stormy depending on the latitude and weather pattern. Difficulties with storms include not
being able to see the celestial objects in the sky, dealing with large ocean waves, and uncomfortable conditions produced by strong
wind and rain. There is less friction on the ocean thus the winds can be very strong during a storm. An advantage is that it provides
access to fresh water and the wind provides energy to a sailing vessel. If the weather is sunny and calm day after day then the
disadvantage to this is no new fresh water, risk of severe sun burn if exposed to the sun and winds may be light for sailing. Being
surrounded by water, the humidity is typically higher than many places over land. Temperature is a strong function of latitude. It
will be warm in low latitudes (equatorial and subtropical), mild but variable in middle latitudes and cold in high latitudes (polar latitudes).
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