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Discover the significant aspects of oceans - from the major bodies of water to saltwater variations and the impact of ocean currents on climate. Learn about ocean layers and the fascinating world beneath the surface.
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The Oceans A Presentation on Atmosphere-Ocean Interaction Presented by: National Weather Service Shreveport, LA
Why study major bodies of water? • Water covers nearly ¾ of the earth’s surface • More than 50% of the world’s population lives within an hour of the coast • Plays a role in both climate and day-to-day weather • FOOD! • Cost of your food could depend on it
The “Basics” There are FOUR oceans ATLANTIC PACIFIC INDIAN SOUTHERN
Bragging Rights… Which ocean is the biggest?
FRESHWATER Rivers Streams Lakes SALTWATER Oceans Gulfs Seas Water is Water…or is it?! But wait, there's more!
Water is Water…or is it?! QUESTION: Is saltwater the same everywhere? ANSWER: Nope. In general, the Atlantic Ocean is the “saltiest.”
Please Pass the Salt… • “Run-of-the-mill” concentration? • 3.5 grams/liter • Like weather, there are areas of • HIGH salinity • LOW salinity • Does not freeze until -1.9 C (28.5 F) So, where are these “highs” and “lows”?
Please Pass the Salt… L H H H L H H L
Salty! • Salt water is denser than fresh water. Check out the demonstration! • Because the density is greater the seawater has more buoyancy. This means it “lifts up” or buoys less dense objects. Remember the eggs!
Practice Problem! Density = Mass/Volume Density = 1.03 Kg = 1.03 Kg/L 1.00 L Density = 4.10 Kg = 5.00 L If this was spilled on the oceans surface would it sink or float?
CAPT. OBVIOUS SAYS: Dead Sea was named because it had no life! Mmmmm…Salty! DEAD SEA FACTS: • Really a large lake • Water gets in, but not out! • Fed by River Jordan • Evaporation only way out • Has nearly 10 times the salinity of the oceans! • Leads to increased density
So?? The increased density means just about anything will float! We can see this through the use of eggs!
We’re Goin’ Down, Down, Down… Just like the atmosphere, the ocean has layers!
Surface Zone • “Sunlight Zone” • Most solar heating • Lots of temperature change • Surface to 200m • Influenced by wind
Bridge Over Troubled Waters… • A Transition Zone • Temperature decreases rapidly • Less color and light • Increased pressure • Increased salinity
The Deep Zone • “The Abyss” • Greek word meaning “no bottom” • Dense water • Water temperature near freezing • Highest Pressure
The Hadalpelagic Zone • “The Trenches” • Anything below 6000m • Worth repeating: • Deepest trench is the Mariana Trench • “Weight”: >8 t.s.i. • Life still exists here! That’s TONS per square inch!
Our Sun • “Driving Force” • Solar radiation affects the ocean differently • More on this later • Ultimate cause of wind
Ocean Currents – Just the Facts • Two types: • Wind-driven Currents • Deep Water Currents • 40% of the global heat transport • Move slower than surface winds • Kilometers per day vs. kilometers per hour • Long-term climate impacts • Gulf Stream most important in our region
Ocean Currents -- Development • Oceans near equator “heat up” more than the poles • Sets up… • Temperature imbalance • Semi-permanent pressure areas • Constant push of wind on water