Download - Deep Ocean Circulation 1
Sunlight
Effect of Solar Radiation on Sea Surface Temperature
Modified image from Windows to the Universe, http://www.windows.ucar.edu
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Deep Ocean Currents Driven by Density of Seawater
What effects water density?•Colder water Denser (to 4°C)•Saltier water Denser
melindawebster.comhawaiianphotos.net
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Deep water forms when:
● Surface water flows to the poles and gets colder● When seawater freezes it leaves salt behind, increasing salinity● Water becomes denser and sinks
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http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/
Why is thermohaline circulation important?
• Major influence on climate
• Transfers heat from equator to poles
• Nutrient cycling• Brings oxygen to
deep ocean organisms
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SurfaceOcean
DeepOcean
Boundary
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Cold, Dark, No Photosynthesis, More Nutrients
O2(oxygen)
Oxygen (O2) USED
O2
Photosynthesis
PRODUCED in surface oceanMixed with atmosphere
O2 O2
O2 O2
Mixed
Warmed and lit by sun
Less Nutrients