4.05 Ocean Water

Front

What is ocean water primarily composed of?

Back

Ocean water is primarily composed of water (H2O) and dissolved salts, with sodium chloride being the most common salt.

Front

What is salinity?

Back

Salinity is the measure of the amount of dissolved salts in water, typically expressed in parts per thousand (ppt).

Front

How does temperature affect the density of ocean water?

Back

As temperature increases, the density of ocean water decreases; warmer water is less dense than colder water.

Front

What is the relationship between latitude and ocean water temperature?

Back

Areas at low latitudes receive more direct sunlight, resulting in warmer ocean water compared to areas at high latitudes.

Front

What effect does evaporation have on ocean salinity?

Back

High rates of evaporation increase salinity because the water vaporizes, leaving the salts behind.

Front

What is the primary source of freshwater that can decrease ocean salinity?

Back

Rivers flowing into the sea are a primary source of freshwater that can decrease ocean salinity.

Front

What are the three main factors that determine the composition of ocean water?

Back

The three main factors are temperature, salinity, and density.

Front

How does the freezing of glaciers affect ocean salinity?

Back

The freezing of glaciers can increase salinity in the surrounding ocean water as the ice forms and leaves salts behind.

Front

What is the role of ocean currents in temperature distribution?

Back

Ocean currents help distribute heat across the globe, affecting the temperature of surface waters in different regions.

Front

What is thermocline?

Back

Thermocline is a layer in the ocean where temperature changes rapidly with depth, separating warmer surface water from colder deep water.