Question of the Day: Name:
Ocean Vertical Structure

 

Perm:

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The figure above represents "typical" changes in various parameters and constituents with depth, at temperate latitudes. 

The parameters that are plotted vs. depth are:

1. pressure ________ ________
2. dissolved Nitrogen________
3. dissolved Oxygen ________
4. temperature ________
5. density ________
6. salinity ________

Can you identify which curve corresponds to which parameter and explain why (the process involved) each parameter varies the way it does.  For example, pressure could be explained as: "as you go deeper, there is more water pressing down from above, so the pressure has to increase with depth." Refer to your readings on Ocean Circulation and Life in the Ocean.

Suggestion: Use the Global Ocean Data Viewer, if it is accessible to you, to see how the above parameters vary with depth at a latitude of about 30 degrees. Use the average annual value.

Explanations: