L1 thermohaline properties

Question 1

what is a Hydrostatic Ocean?

Answer 1

The force acting upwards due to the increase in pressure with the depth. It is ≈ to the gravitational force of
attraction

Question 2

What is a thermocline?

Answer 2

the transition layer between the warmer mixed water at the surface and the cooler deep water below

Question 3

what are the types of thermocline?

Answer 3

1. Seasonal thermocline where there is a mixed layer of surface water. 2. permanent thermocline where the water turns to deep water.

Question 4

Does pressure affect the temperature?

Answer 4

The effects of pressure can act to change the in-situ
temperature of water without changing the heat
content. Squeezing typical seawater (or air) causes
the temperature to rise. A pressure of 100
atmospheres (or about 1000 dbar) is enough to
increase measured seawater temperatures by about
0.1°C.

Question 5

what is potential temperature?

Answer 5

a variable (θ) used in oceanography that describes the temperature of a fluid parcel → like a water mass in the ocean → if it were without heat exchange.

Question 6

is the potential temperature pressure sensitive?

Answer 6

No! because potential temperature accounts for the fact that the heat in fluid parcel is remains constand when moved vertically. i.e. it undoes the temperature changes caused by pressure.

Question 7

what is concervative temperature?

Answer 7

It is similar to potential temperature but also accounts for the salinity variations