The Ocean's Layered Structure

Question 0

What are some characteristics of the surface zone?

Answer 0

It’s the utmost zone 2% of ocean. Temp and salinity constant due to mixing by wind, waves and surface currents.

Question 1

What are the three layered structures located in most locations?

Answer 1

The surface zone, the pycnocline, and the deep zone

Question 2

Where is the surface zone not present?

Answer 2

It’s not present in high latitudes

Question 3

What is the central part of the pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans higher in salinity In their surface zones?

Answer 3

Isolation from surroundings and high evaporation rate paired with low rainfall

Question 4

What is the pycnocline? What are its two parts?

Answer 4

Transition zone where density increased sharply with increasing depth. The two parts are the thermocline and halocline.

Question 5

What is the thermocline?

Answer 5

Part of pycnocline that is created I. Part by a rapid decrease in temperature with depth.

Question 6

What is the halocline?

Answer 6

Part of pycnocline that is created a small sudden increase in salinity as depth increases.

Question 7

What is the deep zone?

Answer 7

Lies below pycnocline, typically starting at 1000 feet.

Question 8

Which region is considered a deep zone?

Answer 8

The polar region

Question 9

What is thermohaline circulation?

Answer 9

Cold water tends to sink beneath warm water; higher salinity water sinks below lower salinity water