Ocean Water Chemistry and Currents

Ocean Water Chemistry Salinity: the amount of salt dissolved in ocean water –1kg of ocean water contains 35g of salt. –Ocean contains many different kinds of salts

Differences in Salinity Lower salinity near the surface because of rain, rivers, etc. Hot climates cause evaporation which makes water saltier (ex. Red Sea) Saltier near the poles (salt is left behind when water freezes)

Temperature of Ocean Water Temperatures vary with location Temperature is warmer near the surface **Temperature drops and pressure increases as you go deeper underwater!! Cold Water Warm Water Cold Water Warm Water Cold Water

Currents Currents are a “river” of water within the ocean There are two types of currents: 1.Surface Currents 2. Deep Currents

Surface Currents Ex. Gulf stream Several hundred meters deep Warm surface currents can effect climate by warming or cooling the air above it. Influenced by the coriolus effect –Move clockwise in the northern hemisphere –Move counter clockwise in the southern hemisphere. Surface Currents move horizontally!!

Surface Currents

Deep Currents Caused by differences in density Cold water rises as it is heated, warm water sinks as it cools Salty water sinks, less salty water rises Warm Water and Less Salty Water Cold Water and More Salty Water Deep currents move vertically!!

El Nino Occurs every 2-7 years Winds form over the western Pacific Warm water moves east.