This differential heating of the planet creates circulation patterns in the atmosphere and oceans as thermal energy are redistributed. Earth's global ocean is in constant motion, distributing thermal energy and nutrients around the world. Winds are the result of differential heating. When exposed to the heat of the sun, soil warms more quickly than water. As the land warms, so does the air directly above it. As this warm air rises, cooler air from over the ocean flows toward the land.