Module 9 - Oceanography Concepts - S1

These flashcards cover key concepts related to oceanography, specifically focusing on the characteristics of ocean waters, salinity, and oceanic layers.

Northern Hemisphere

The part of Earth that contains most of the landmasses.

Southern Hemisphere

The part of Earth that is covered mostly in oceans.

Ocean Basins

Large bodies of water classified into four main basins: Pacific (largest), Atlantic (second), Indian (third), and Arctic (smallest).

Salinity

The concentration of dissolved salts in water, expressed in parts per thousand.

Sources of Ocean Salts

Salts in the oceans primarily come from the weathering of rocks on land and volcanic activity.

Effect of Fresh Water on Salinity

Removal of fresh water (via precipitation or melting ice) decreases salinity, while addition of fresh water (through evaporation or freezing) increases salinity.

Thermocline

A layer of ocean water characterized by rapid temperature changes with descending depth, found in tropical and temperate regions.

Pycnocline

The layer in the ocean where density increases rapidly with depth due to changes in temperature and salinity.

Ocean Stratification

Changes in the layers of ocean water with latitude, occurring as a result of differences in temperature and salinity.

Bathymetry

The study of ocean floor depth and shape, using instruments such as sonar, satellites, and submersibles.