salinity, ocean circulation, glacier and pack ice Flashcards
(24 cards)
factors influencing water temperature
seasons, latitude(closer to equater=warmer), the depth(deeper=colder)
why are oceans important
because since they absorb heat they play an essential rle in regulating climate by standardizing the temperature of the earth
what is salinity
the quantity of salt in a solution
where in the ocean is the water less saline and why
near the poles of the earth, because that is where the fresh water ice caps are melting thus diluting the salt concentration
where does the hydrosphere obtain its salt from
the weathering of the lithosphere(dissolved minerals)
High salinity=
high density solution
low salinity=
low density solution
what is an ocean current
the movement of seawater in a certain direction
what are the two types or marine currents
surface currents(wind), deep currents(density)
explain the density of water depending on its temperature
cold water sinks- dense
hot water rises-less dense
what are surface currents
they are generated by the wind+tides(top 400m of ocean water)
ex. gulf stream
what are deep currents
they are caused by the difference in density (thermohaline) salinity and temperature)
they ensure vertical circulation between the different layers of the ocean(800m below surface)
what is thermohaline
combination of surface and deep currents creates ocean circulation acts like “conveyer belt” of both temperature regulation and salinit distribution. this process mixes water around the world thus regulates the earths climate and overall temperature
ex. gulf stream carries warm salty water of atlantic up to east coast
pack ice
pack ice forms when the surface of water freezes due to cold temperatures and breaks into sheets this is slightly salty ice floating on the ocean near the poles (brackish water=less salt than ocean)
glaciers
glaciers are formed by compressing snow on land
icebergs
broken pieces of glaciers that fall into the water
impact of melting ice
thermohaline currents are disturbed by melting pack ice, icebergs, and glaciers
impact of melting glaciers
rise in sea level since when it starts to melt it breaks off into the ocean
reduction of reflectivity (albedo)
impact of melting pack ice
1.there is less salt so the water doesnt sink as much because it is less dense than ocean water which causes change in thermohaline circulation thus worsening climate change
2. less surface area to reflect sun light away and more heat is absorbed by the ocean (albedo)
3. loss of habitat for polar bears and seals(cant move around and hunt)
difference between pack ice and glaciers
glaciers are formed on land(continent) ice pack float on water(ocean)
tie everything together
The melting of glaciers, ice floes and pack ice reduces the albedo effect. This gradual disappearance of snow and ice decreases the amount of solar radiation reflected by the Earth’s surface. As a result, the Earth’s surface absorbs even more energy, contributing to a further rise in temperature. In addition, melting glaciers cause sea levels to rise and lower the salinity of the oceans, which in turn disrupts the thermohaline circulation. Melting permafrost causes landslides and releases large quantities of methane
CH4 increasing its concentration in the atmosphere and reinforcing the greenhouse effect even further.
evaporation at equater
increase density(salt)
melting glaciers at pole
decrease density(fresh)
what is albedo effect
there is a decrease in the albedo effect since glaciers and pack ice are melting allowing less reflective surface making the ocean absorb more heat
