DO NOW Ocean Water

Explain salinity – Salinity is the amount of salt dissolved in a given amount of water. The more salt in the water the higher the salinity. Where is salinity higher in the ocean? – Hot, dry areas (evaporation) or poorly circulated areas (Mediterranean Sea) Where is salinity lower in the oceans? – Where fresh water rivers empty into the ocean

Ocean Water How does salinity affect buoyancy? – The higher the salinity the more buoyant objects will be (easier to float)

Ocean Water How does salinity affect density? – The more salt there is in the water the greater the density will be. How does temperature affect density? – Warmer water has more energy so the water molecules are farther apart so it is less dense. Colder water has less energy so water molecules are closer together and the water is more dense.