Image
Title
Density Effects
Density variations, caused by differences in temperature and salinity, determine the positions of water layers in the ocean.
Ocean Literacy Principals
Table of Contents
Representative Image
Topic List
-
This introduction to density gives an overview of the concepts and activities explored in this unit and describes how these investigations build an understanding of ocean literacy.
-
Density is a measure of how much matter is in a given space. Density differences in water masses are determined by differences in salinity and temperature.
Activities:Special Features: -
Throughout the world, temperature in the ocean decreases with depth. Profiles of these temperature gradients show the stratification of water layers in the ocean.
Activities: -
One method for determining salinity is by using a hydrometer. A hydrometer measures density, from which salinity can be determined if the temperature is known.
Activities: -
Ocean currents are formed when water layers move. Gravitational currents are formed when water masses of different densities sink or rise due to the interactions of gravitational and buoyant forces.
-
Thermohaline circulation can drive water flow in marginal seas. Circulation and stratification in estuaries is determined by the mixing of less dense river water and denser ocean water.
