Density Density- mass per unit volume D = m/v Specific gravity- refers to the density of a dimensionless substance

Water density and temperature Maximum density of pure water = 1.00 g/ml – Water becomes denser as it cools, but only to a point – Water’s maximum density = 3.98 C

Ice is less dense than liquid water – Water forms crystal lattice when it freezes – Water’s bond angle changes from 105 to degrees

Water density and salinity Seawater density varies between 1.02 g/cm3 and 1.03 g/cm3 Density increases with increasing salinity

Stratification of seawater – Pycnocline- strong, vertical density gradient caused by: Thermocline- vertical temp. gradient Halocline- vertical salinity gradient – Deep water masses- layer in ocean caused by differences in density Surface water- to 200 m deep Central water- to thermocline (depth varies) Intermediate water- to about 1500 m Deep water – to 4000 m (no contact with bottom) Bottom water- in contact with seafloor