Ocean Water Chemistry and Currents Ocean Water Chemistry

Ocean Water Chemistry and Currents

Ocean Water Chemistry • Salinity: the amount of salt dissolved in ocean water – 1 kg of ocean water contains 35 g of salt. – Ocean contains many different kinds of salts

Differences in Salinity • Lower salinity near the surface because of rain, rivers, etc. • Hot climates cause evaporation which makes water saltier (ex. Red Sea) • Saltier near the poles (salt is left behind when water freezes)

Temperature of Ocean Water • Temperatures vary with location • Temperature is warmer near the surface **Temperature drops and pressure increases as you go deeper underwater!! Cold Water Warm Water Cold Water

Currents • • Currents are a “river” of water within the ocean There are two types of currents: 1. Surface Currents 2. Deep Currents

Surface Currents • Ex. Gulf stream • Several hundred meters deep • Warm surface currents can effect climate by warming or cooling the air above it. • Influenced by the coriolus effect – Move clockwise in the northern hemisphere – Move counter clockwise in the southern hemisphere. Surface Currents move horizontally!!

Surface Currents

Deep Currents • Caused by differences in density • Cold water rises as it is heated, warm water sinks as it cools • Salty water sinks, less salty water rises Warm Water and Less Salty Water Deep currents move vertically!! Cold Water and More Salty Water

El Nino • Occurs every 2 -7 years • Winds form over the western Pacific • Warm water moves east.