Author Question: Describe the ocean's layered structure. Why does the three-layer structure not exist in high ... (Read 93 times)

cherise1989 · **on:** Jul 14, 2018

Describe the ocean's layered structure. Why does the three-layer structure not exist in high latitudes?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

The equatorial currents in the ocean are the principle driving force for the other ocean currents.

Indicate whether the statement is true or false

pikon · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 14, 2018

Answer to Question 1

The ocean, like Earth's interior, is layered according to density. Low-density water exists near the surface, and higher-density water occurs below. Except for some shallow inland seas with a high rate of evaporation, the highest-density water is found at the greatest ocean depths. Oceanographers generally recognize a three-layered structure in most parts of the open ocean: a shallow surface mixed zone, a transition zone, and a deep zone. In high latitudes, there is almost no difference in density from shallow to deep water, so there is no layering.

Answer to Question 2

FALSE