Ocean layers Flashcards
The three ocean layers are _.
the pycnocline, the mixed layer and the deep layer
At high latitudes, which layers are absent?
The pycnocline and the mixed layer.
Ocean layers are all about density and _.
temperature
High latitudes are at the _.
poles
Low latitudes are at the _.
equator
Why is the pycnocline important?
It buffers the two other layers and the organisms living in them from changes in temperature and salinity.
Hot water particles move faster. How does this affect the layers?
The particles expand, becoming less dense than the surrounding particles of water. They rise and therefore, the mixed layer is the least dense sitting at the top.
Why does salty water sink below fresher water?
The salt particles mixed with the water particles means there are more particles per volume, which equals a denser solution.
