The graph on page 2 comes from a field program I was involved with in the Easter
ID: 108888 • Letter: T
Question
The graph on page 2 comes from a field program I was involved with in the Eastern Pacific. Ocean probes descended into the ocean measuring both temperature and salinity. The left panel shows temperature versus depth while the right panel shows salinity versus depth. These readings were taken at a latitude of 8 ½ degrees North and 97 degrees West on September 13, 2001. By reading off the charts and using the T-S diagram on Page 3, fill in the following information (15 pts):
Depth (meters)
Temperature (degrees Celsius)
Salinity (parts per thousand)
Density (kg/m3)
20
40
60
80
100
From what you know about thermoclines and haloclines, give an approximate depth for the following (5 pts). Note: Don’t forget UNITS!!
Start of the thermocline _________________________
Start of the halocline ___________________________
Approximate depth of the mixed layer _____________
Extra Credit (2 pts): Is this arrangement of water stable or unstable? Explain why.
IMPORTANT: Notice that the values on the density curves or lines are incomplete. They should read 1.030 g/cm3 or 1.025g/cm3 or 1025 g/dm3 and so forth! See figure7.26. Hint a cubic meter of pure water has a mass of 1000kg!
Depth (meters)
Temperature (degrees Celsius)
Salinity (parts per thousand)
Density (kg/m3)
20
40
60
80
100
20 20 40 6 . 80 100 100 120 120 140 140 34.5 35 34 Salinity (ppt) 33.5 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 Temperature (C)Explanation / Answer
Depth (meters)
Temperature (degrees Celsius)
Salinity (parts per thousand)
Density (kg/m3)
20
270C
33.8
1.03
40
180C
34.8
1.04
60
14.10C
34.9
1.03
80
130C
34.9
1.01
100
12.10C
34.9
1.05
Start of the thermocline - Starts at the depth of 20 meters.
Start of the halocline - Starts at the depth of 20 meters
Approximate depth of the mixed layer 20 meters.
Extra Credit (2 pts): Is this arrangement of water stable or unstable? Explain why.
-This arrangement of water is stable.
-The density of said-water has a greater intensity at the bottom, whereas the density of the water does not have the same intensity at the top, therefore it is less at the top.
-The natural variability 'flip-side' to these hiatus decades, are periods where there is greater-than-average surface warming.
-So at some point in the very near future we can probably expect surface temperatures to gather up a head of steam, and begin rising at a rapid rate.
-It also presents plausible mechanisms in ocean circulation that transport heat down to the deep ocean.
-The general pattern of sea surface temperature during these hiatus periods is very reminiscent.
Depth (meters)
Temperature (degrees Celsius)
Salinity (parts per thousand)
Density (kg/m3)
20
270C
33.8
1.03
40
180C
34.8
1.04
60
14.10C
34.9
1.03
80
130C
34.9
1.01
100
12.10C
34.9
1.05
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