Education: Effects of Temperature on Density and Circulation
Go With the Flow Steer your sub to sunken treasure by driving currents |
Density Demonstration See how liquids of different density form layers |
Perpetual Ocean Watch surface currents flow |
What are the Effects of Temperature on Seawater Density and Circulation?
With temperature, salinity determines seawater density and buoyancy, driving the extent of ocean stratification, mixing and water mass
formation. Aquarius is highly complementary to existing satellite programs that monitor sea surface temperature because, together,
salinity and temperature control density at the ocean surface. Sea-surface density drives formation of ocean water masses and
three-dimensional ocean circulation. Thus better understanding of ocean salinity patterns improves understanding of the ocean's
capacity to store and transport heat. Salinity plays a major role in how ocean waters circulate around the globe. Salinity changes
can create ocean circulation changes that, in turn, may impact regional and global climates.Featured Movie: Aquarius and Ocean Circulation
Hands-On Activities
- Convection
- Density: Seawater Mixing & Sinking
- Effects of Temperature & Salinity on Density & Stratification (Steps 1-4)
- Effects of Temperature & Salinity on Density & Stratification (Steps 5-7)
- Thermal Expansion
Online Activities
- Annual Mean Data
- Ocean Motion: Ocean Surface Currents
- NASA Earth Observations: Sea Surface Salinity
- Changes in Monthly Mean Data
Movies
- Density Effects
- Importance of Salinity
- Salt of the Earth: Climate Change Impacts on Salinity
- Salt of the Earth: Ocean Atmosphere Circulation Helps Moderate Climate
- Salt of the Earth: Salinity, Temperature & Density
- Sea Surface Density
- Sea Surface Temperature
- Thermohaline Circulation - The Great Ocean Conveyor Belt
- Thermohaline Circulation Using Improved Flow Field
Podcasts