Temperature of ocean water has much importance. If affects the climate of coastal areas and it is important for marine plans and animals.The average range of the temperature of ocean water is 12’C. But it is varies from place to place and from time to time. This is due to the regional variation of solar energy, prevailing winds, location of their extent etc.

The distribution of temperature in the oceans varies much owing to the latitude, depth and salinity. It is also much influenced by the prevailing winds, currents and nearness to land masses. The main source of heat for ocean water is the sun. The mechanism of heating and cooling ocean water is quite different from that of land. Ocean water warms up and cools down more slowly the diurnal range and annual range of temperature of ocean water is not significant. The temperature of the ocean water varies from place to place. 

Distribution of temperature of Ocean water:

The distribution of temperature of ocean water is of two types. They are:

1. Horizontal distribution of temperature of ocean water. 

2. Vertical distribution of temperature of ocean water.

a. Horizontal distribution of temperature of Ocean water: The temperature of ocean water decreases from the equator towards the poles. This is known as horizontal distribution of temperature. 

b. Vertical Distribution of Temperature: The decrease in temperature from the ocean surface with increasing depth is known as vertical distribution of temperature.