Properties of Ocean Water
Chemical Properties of Ocean Water Determines composition Enables it to dissolve other substances
Physical Properties of Ocean Water Temperature Density Color
Elements in the Ocean Chlorine Sodium Magnesium Sulfur Calcium Potassium
How do these elements get into the ocean Rivers deposits are carried to the ocean Evaporation of ocean water leaves minerals behind
Dissolved Gases Nitrogen Oxygen Carbon Dioxide- most easily dissolved
Temperature Influences how substances dissolve in water Solids dissolve better in warm water Gases dissolve better in cold water
Temperature How does temperature of water influence the composition of ocean water?
Surface Temperature Infrared rays heat the water Mixing of water distributes the heat down to about 300 meters Depends on the latitude
Thermocline The point at which the temperature of ocean water drops dramatically Less dense warm water can not mix with dense, cold water
Density Factors Salinity Temperature More dissolved solids = More dense Temperature More dense = cold Less dense = warm