Unit 3: The OceanAPES Period 4

Ocean Structure-Different layers of the ocean and what’s in them.

Ocean Currents-The water flow patterns around the ocean.Thermohaline Circulation-One of the largest and most important currents in the ocean.

Ocean Circulation and Climate Cycles-How the ocean changes and how it affects us.Biological Activity in the Upper Ocean Part-Animal and plant life the upper layers of the ocean.The "Biological Pump"-The transportation of carbon in the ocean

Ocean Structure

Katrina Moore

Ocean Currents Part 2

Cierra Bordwine

Thermohaline Circulation Part 1

Karis Heidebrecht

What is Thermohaline Circulation?

The thermohaline circulation is the flow of ocean water caused by changes of its density. It is one of the major forces that affects climate.

How Is a Thermohaline Current Formed?

● Water becomes denser the saltier it gets and the cooler it gets.

● This can occur as the ocean is warmed or cooled at the surface by sunlight and contact with the atmosphere, or by the addition of freshwater or salt to the water.

Continued...

● Since water is warmer near the equator and cooler near the poles, the cold water sinks and the warm water floats. Water is also saltier near the equator due to evaporation, which leaves salt behind. The process of warming, cooling, and changing salt levels propels water in currents, causing thermohaline circulation.

● This process, plus others, fuels the multiple Thermohaline currents that are found around the world. The result is the Thermohaline circulation.

Thermohaline Circulation Part 2

Maribeth Villanueva

Salty Water-

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Masses that help the Circulation-

North Atlantic Deep Water● (NADW)● Biggest Water Mass● Helps pull GulfStream were NorthAtlantic Steam ends.

Masses that help the Circulation-

Antarctic Bottom Water● (AABW)● Coldest & Densest● Carries nutrients● Northwards

Ocean Circulation and Climate Cycles Part 1

Geoffrey Ashton

Ocean Circulation and Climate Cycles Part 2

McKenna Chase

Compensation

Compensation depth - The depth at which energy produced for photosynthesis equals the amount used for respiration. It varies from 20 - 110 meters and occurs when light is 1% of what it is at the ocean's surface.

Compensation Zone - Where there is just enough light for photosynthetic life.

Biological Activity in the Upper Ocean Part 2

Victoria Owen

Further Reading

National Academy of Sciences El Nino and La Nina: Tracing the Dance of an Ocean and Atmosphere.

National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center: https://vimeo.com/76557382

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute: Ocean Instruments like Tow Cam

TowCam is a specially designed digital camera system that photographs the seafloor as it is towed above the ocean bottom behind an oceanographic research vessel. A regular underwater camera would not work in such an extreme environment, where it must take pictures in total blackness, crushing pressure, and freezing temperatures.

Key Terms

Michaela Brost