Properties of Water Flashcards
Why is the ocean salty?
- Erosion of minerals from continents
- Hydrothermal vents
- Submarine volcanoes
What is the freezing point of seawater?
-1.8 °C
What is the average salinity of seawater?
About 35 ‰ (parts per thousand)
Which ions are most abundant in seawater?
- Sodium (Na⁺)
- Chloride (Cl⁻)
Which gases are dissolved in ocean water?
- Oxygen (O₂)
- Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)
- Nitrogen (N₂)
Why is CO₂ more soluble in water than O₂?
Because it reacts with water to form carbonic acid, increasing its solubility
What is the average pH of seawater?
Around 8.1
Which colour penetrates water the least?
Red
Which colour penetrates water the best?
Blue
What is ocean stratification?
The layering of water based on density differences
What is a halocline?
A zone in the ocean in which salinity changes rapidly with depth
What is a thermocline?
A zone in the ocean where temperature decreases rapidly with depth
What is a pynocline?
A zone in the ocean where water density increases rapidly with depth, due to changes in temperature and/or salinity
