This topic contains a solution. Click here to go to the answer

Author Question: What is plankton? A) Any photosynthetic organism B) An internal organism C) A drifting organism ... (Read 1021 times)

nummyann

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 576
What is plankton?
 A) Any photosynthetic organism
  B) An internal organism
  C) A drifting organism
  D) Microscopic organism

Question 2

Water masses have distinct and often unique characteristics. What are the five common water masses in temperate and tropical latitudes?



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
Marked as best answer by a Subject Expert

ebenov

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 331
Answer to Question 1

C

Answer to Question 2

The ocean is density stratified, with the densest water near the seafloor and the least dense near the surface. Each water mass has specific temperature and salinity characteristics and do not mix easily. Density stratification is most pronounced at temperate and tropical latitudes because the temperature difference between surface water and deep water is greater there than near the poles. Water masses can be remarkably persistent and will retain their identity for great distances and long periods of time. Oceanographers name water masses according to their relative position. There are five common water masses: surface water (to a depth of about 200 meters), central water (to the bottom of the main thermocline), intermediate water (to about 1,500 meters), deep water (below intermediate and above bottom waters to about 4,000 meters), and bottom water (water in contact with the seafloor). Surface currents move in relatively warm upper environment of surface and central water and can be warmer and less saline. They may have formed in warm areas where precipitation exceeds evaporation. The relatively cold water masses lying beneath the thermocline exhibit smaller variations in salinity and temperature than the water in the currents that move across the ocean's surface. Water masses at intermediate depths are intermediate in density. The densest (and deepest) masses were formed by surface conditions that caused the water to become very cold and salty.





 

Did you know?

In 2010, opiate painkllers, such as morphine, OxyContin®, and Vicodin®, were tied to almost 60% of drug overdose deaths.

Did you know?

Atropine was named after the Greek goddess Atropos, the oldest and ugliest of the three sisters known as the Fates, who controlled the destiny of men.

Did you know?

The U.S. Pharmacopeia Medication Errors Reporting Program states that approximately 50% of all medication errors involve insulin.

Did you know?

The term pharmacology is derived from the Greek words pharmakon("claim, medicine, poison, or remedy") and logos ("study").

Did you know?

The strongest synthetic topical retinoid drug available, tazarotene, is used to treat sun-damaged skin, acne, and psoriasis.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library