Quick Answer. Lakes, oceans, ponds, streams and other large bodies of water create mild, temperate climates by cooling surrounding air in the summer and retaining warm air during the winter. In general, larger bodies of water produce the most dramatic effects on surrounding climate.
To be awarded the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, a military service member must perform duty in a deployed status and must participate in designated anti-terrorism operation for a period of either 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days of duty.
Prior to 30 April 2005 the medal was awarded for service within Iraq and Afghanistan, but has been replaced with the Iraq Campaign Medal and Afghanistan Campaign Medal and now serves primarily as recognition for personnel who have deployed in support of the War on Terror to locations beyond Iraq and Afghanistan.