Ocean Structure

Question 1

Density stratification

Answer 1

Density almost always increases with depth in the ocean
3 layers:
* surface mixed layer
* Upper water in pycnocline/thermocline
* deep water

Question 2

Main control on density

Answer 2

• temperature
• pycnocline often mirros the thermocline
• exceptions: polar regions, coastal areas

Question 3

Stable stratification

Answer 3

More dense beneath less dense

Question 4

Depth of neutral buouyancy

Answer 4

Where a water parcel has the same density as the surroundung waters

Question 5

Surface mixed layer

Answer 5

• No stratification
• All properties well mixed
• Drivers of mixing: wind stress, wave breaking, sea spray, evaporation/precipitation, heat transfer

Question 6

Ocean horizontal structure

Question 7

Geographical variations in stratification

Answer 7

Polar regions - thermocline and pycnocline are usually weak, but they are there, more uniform water column
Tropics - big change in temp/desnity with depth

Question 8

Density is important driver of ocean dynamics

Answer 8

• 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

Question 9

Water mass

Answer 9

a parcel of water with a distinct range of temp and salinity characteristics

Question 10

LeConte T/S