1.3 Density and Pressure Vocab

water column

a vertical section of water from the surface to the bottom; useful concept when discussing changes in the abiotic factors within the body of water

gradient

the rate of change in the y-axis value as the x-axis value increases

thermal insulator

a substance which reduces the rate of transfer of thermal energy

pycnocline

a layer of water between two layers of water with different densities

principle of constant proportions

the ratio of any two major ions dissolved in seawater is constant

describe

state the points of a topic/give characteristics and main features

state

express in clear terms

suggest

apply knowledge and understanding to situations where there are a range of valid responses in order to make proposals

calculate

work out from given facts, figures or information

sketch

make a simple freehand drawing showing the key features, taking care over proportions

compare

identify/comment on similarities and/or differences

identify

name/select/recognize

explain

set out purposes or reasons / make the relationships between things evident / provide why and/or how and support with relevant evidence

predict

suggest what may happen based on available information

define

give precise meaning

outline

set out the main points