Ocean Characteristics and Technology
Salinity Salinity - the total amount of salt material dissolved in water Comes from: Eroding Land Reactions at sea floor Volcanic Emissions **1**
Temperature Changes Temperature difference in 2 dimensions: Latitude (North vs. South) – Surface waters near equator > surface waters at poles Depth – Deeper waters = colder (less sun!) **2**
Gases in the Ocean Gases in ocean similar to that of atmosphere CO2, N2, and O2 Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide exchange Photosynthesis = Make oxygen Respiration = Make carbon dioxide
Phytoplankton Phytoplankton Microscopic Organisms Include algae Do photosynthesis Algal Bloom – When phytoplankton become so numerous they cover surface → Harmful! Block Sunlight Suck up all the nutrients
Sonar Using SOUND waves to determine depth and structure. Length of time for waves to return = distance. Longer Time = Deeper Shorter Time = Shallow
Submersible Vehicles that can submerge, or go under water. Robotic vs. Manned Can be affected by pressure in the ocean
Manned Submersible ← Unmanned Submersible →
What are Buoys? Floating devices used for: Measure water properties (temp, pH, etc.) Navigation markers What are Buoys?
Challenger Deep Descent