Unit 3: The Nature of Seawater

Unit 3: The Nature of Seawater

Unit Focus

This unit explains the components of seawater and the differences in salinity throughout the world's oceans. Students will learn about factors such as precipitation, temperature, location, and evaporation, which affect ocean salinity.

NATURE OF SEAWATER: SALINITY, TEMPERATURE, DENSITY, AND PRESSURE

• surface salinities
• temperature profiles of the ocean; the thermocline
• seawater density dynamics
• deep ocean pressures

Student Goals

1. Describe how the oceans became salty.
2. Define salinity.
3. Explain how precipitation, temperature, and evaporation affect the salinity of water.