Oceans

Formation of the OceanAfter the Earth

cooled, water vapor in the atmosphere condensed, causing rain to fill the first ocean.

Current DivisionsFour major

divisions:Arctic OceanIndian OceanAtlantic OceanPacific Ocean

Ocean WaterSalinity: measure of the amount of dissolved solids in a given amount of liquid

Ocean WaterThe salinity of ocean water is 35 g per 1000 g.

Salt makes up the majority of dissolved solids.

Ocean WaterFactors that affect salinity:EvaporationCirculationFreshwater inflow

Movement of Ocean Water

Surface currents: stream like movement of water at or near the surface of the ocean

Movement of Ocean Water

Surface currents affect climate by cooling or heating the coastline.

Movement of Ocean WaterDeep currents:

streamlike movement of water far below the surface

Deep and surface currents are the result of convection.

TidesTides are daily movement of ocean water that change the level of the ocean’s surface.

TidesHigh tide and low tide depend on the position of the moon as it revolves around the Earth.

High TidesThe moon’s pull is strongest on the side facing the moon.

This causes a bulge on the side facing the moon and directly opposite.

Tide VariationsThe sun also affects tides.

The tidal range is the difference between low and high tide.

Spring TideWhen the sun, moon and Earth are aligned, spring tides occur.

Maximum daily tidal range

Neap TideWhen the sun, Earth and moon make a 90º angle

Minimum daily tidal range