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Atom
Smallest unit of a substance that retains its chemical properties
Molecule
Collection of atoms chemically bonded
Isotopes
Atoms of same element that differ in weight due to variable # neutrons
Why does Ice float on Liquid Water?
Due to the structural orientation/ angle between molecules in Ice. Molecules spaced Further apart (open hexagonal crystal structure).
Conservative Ion
Ion concentrations vary very little over time/space
Chlorinity
Total quantity of halogens expressed as % ppt
Factors that regulate ocean salinity
Degassing of earth, Rivers, Chemical weathering of rocks
Why hasn’t the total ocean salinity rate changed over the past 1.5 Billion Years?
Principal sinks of salt in the ocean - major processes by which dissolved salts are removed from seawater
How can salts on land be constantly delivered to oceans?
Sedimentary cycle; sedimentary beds are deformed and uplifted into mountain ranges before eroding and repeating the process
Why do ionic compositions of freshwater and seawater differ so much?
Long residence times and constant/rapid mixing of oceans due to waves/currents
How does Freezing Point impact salinity?
Increasing salinity decreases freezing point & vice verse
How does salinity affect density?
Increasing salinity increases density (greater atomic mass/volume area)
How does salinity affect vapor pressure
Increase in salinity leads to a decrease in vapor pressure
Latitude
Distance from equator
Isotherms
Lines that connect points of equal temperature; vary seasonally and more important in the Northern Hemisphere
Thermocline
Band/area of water with a sharp temperature gradient; characteristic of tropical/temperate oceans.
Note 
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