Unit 2: Measuring the Ocean

Unit 2: Measuring the Ocean

Unit Focus

This unit describes how oceanographers measure the ocean’s chemical and physical characteristics. Students will learn specific chemical and oceanic physical features, such as salinity, density, and temperature, and the instruments used to measure these features.

Student Goals

1. Define salinity.
2. Identify methods used to determine salinity.
3. Recognize the relationship between salinity and density of the oceans.
4. Give examples of how humans employ technology to study the ocean floor.