Deep ocean circulation is one of the major processes that moves heat around the earth. The "thermal conveyor belt" is thought to control whether the climate state is cold (ice age) or warm (interglacial). The figure below identifies the major water masses in the Atlantic ocean.

Label each water mass (Find the name in your readings: e.g. "NADW") and explain where and how it is formed. Use temperature, salinity, and density in your explanations. Relate the properties of the water masses to each other. For example, the heaviest water will be deepest. 

What makes water heavy?

Some definitions:

NADW: North Atlantic Deep Water

AABW: Antarctic Bottom Water

AIW: Antarctic Intermediate Water

ASW : Atlantic Surface Water

CDW: Antarctic Circumpolar Deep Water

Mass A:

Mass B:

Mass C:

Mass D:

Mass E: