Thermocline

What is a thermocline?

• A transition layer between warmer mixed water at the ocean's surface and cooler deep water below

• The top surface layer of the ocean

• A permanent feature in all oceans

• A layer where temperature remains constant

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

In which ocean zone does the thermocline occur?

• Epipelagic zone

• Mesopelagic zone

• Bathypelagic zone

• Abyssopelagic zone

What happens to the temperature in the thermocline?

• It increases rapidly

• It decreases rapidly

• It remains constant

• It fluctuates unpredictably

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

How does the depth of the thermocline vary in polar regions?

• It is semi-permanent

• It is variable

• It is shallow to nonexistent

• It is deepest during the summer

Why is the depth of the thermocline important in hurricane forecasting?

• It determines the sea surface temperature

• It measures the size of the 'fuel tank' for hurricanes

• It predicts the wind speed

• It affects the ocean's salinity

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-2

NGSS.HS-ESS3-5

At what depth does the water temperature remain constant below the thermocline?

• Below 3,300 feet

• Below 660 feet

• Below 1,000 feet

• Below 200 meters

What is the temperature range below 13,100 feet in the ocean?

• Near freezing to just above freezing

• Constant at 39°F (4°C)

• Constant at 55°F (13°C)

• Rapidly increasing