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 1123 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?

As many as 28% of hospitalized patients requiring mechanical ventilators to help them breathe (for more than 48 hours) will develop ventilator-associated pneumonia. Current therapy involves intravenous antibiotics, but new antibiotics that can be inhaled (and more directly treat the infection) are being developed.

Did you know?

Barbituric acid, the base material of barbiturates, was first synthesized in 1863 by Adolph von Bayer. His company later went on to synthesize aspirin for the first time, and Bayer aspirin is still a popular brand today.

Did you know?

Automated pill dispensing systems have alarms to alert patients when the correct dosing time has arrived. Most systems work with many varieties of medications, so patients who are taking a variety of drugs can still be in control of their dose regimen.

Did you know?

The FDA recognizes 118 routes of administration.

Did you know?

Your heart beats over 36 million times a year.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library