The two maps depict the Earth's sea surface temperature (SST), but they represent different scenarios:
- The top map, labeled as "FIGURE 9.13", shows a simplified SST image without considering currents. It doesn't take into account the Earth's rotation, tilt, and currents from the Sun. This results in a more uniform temperature distribution across the globe.
- The bottom map, labeled as "FIGURE 9.14", shows the SST image with currents. It illustrates how the warmer waters from the equator are carried to the Polar Regions and how colder water from the poles flows back to the equator. This results in a more varied temperature distribution with warmer waters near the equator and colder waters near the poles.
In summary, the main difference between the two maps is the consideration of ocean currents. The top map shows what the SST would look like without currents, while the bottom map shows the SST with the influence of currents.