Ocean Structure Flashcards
1
Q
Density stratification
A
Density almost always increases with depth in the ocean
3 layers:
* surface mixed layer
* Upper water in pycnocline/thermocline
* deep water
2
Q
Main control on density
A
- temperature
- pycnocline often mirros the thermocline
- exceptions: polar regions, coastal areas
3
Q
Stable stratification
A
More dense beneath less dense
4
Q
Depth of neutral buouyancy
A
Where a water parcel has the same density as the surroundung waters
5
Q
Surface mixed layer
A
- No stratification
- All properties well mixed
- Drivers of mixing: wind stress, wave breaking, sea spray, evaporation/precipitation, heat transfer
6
Q
Ocean horizontal structure
A
7
Q
Geographical variations in stratification
A
Polar regions - thermocline and pycnocline are usually weak, but they are there, more uniform water column
Tropics - big change in temp/desnity with depth
8
Q
Density is important driver of ocean dynamics
A
- differences in density can both prohibit movemenr and casue movement of water
- Horixontal density gradients are main driver of ocean currents
- Vertical density gradients inhibit motion and inhibit mixing
- waves propogate on density interfaces in the ocean = internal waves
- desne waters from polar region fill in the deep ocean
9
Q
Water mass
A
a parcel of water with a distinct range of temp and salinity characteristics
10
Q
LeConte T/S
A
