Practice and Revision - The Properties of Sea Water
Let us practise and revise what we learned about the properties of sea water. Sea water has distinct properties like salinity, temperature,
Core concept
Salinity refers to the amount of dissolved salts in seawater, typically around 35 parts per thousand, though it varies by location.
How it works
Sea water temperature varies with depth and latitude, generally warmer near the surface and equator, colder in depths and polar regions.
Why it matters
Density of seawater is affected by both salinity and temperature - colder, saltier water is denser and sinks below warmer, less salty water.
Key detail
These properties influence ocean currents, marine ecosystems, and climate patterns, making them important for understanding ocean geography.
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Quick notes
• Salinity: dissolved salts, ~35 parts per thousand.
• Varies by location.
• Temperature varies by depth, latitude.
• Warmer near surface, equator.
• Colder in depths, polar regions.
• Density affected by salinity, temperature.
• Colder, saltier water is denser, sinks.
• These properties affect currents, ecosystems, climate.