Ocean Water Properties

Front

What percentage of the Earth's surface is covered by the ocean?

Back

70%

Front

What is the term for the measure of the amount of salt dissolved in a given amount of liquid?

Back

Salinity

Front

How does the salinity of ocean water change as you go deeper into the ocean?

Back

The water becomes saltier.

Front

True or False: As you go deeper in the ocean, the water is colder and less salty.

Back

False

Front

True or False: Adding salt to water increases its freezing point.

Back

False

Front

What is the primary component of ocean water?

Back

Water (H2O) and dissolved salts.

Front

What is the average salinity of ocean water?

Back

About 35 parts per thousand (ppt).

Front

What effect does temperature have on the density of ocean water?

Back

Colder water is denser than warmer water.

Front

What is the term for the vertical movement of water in the ocean, often caused by differences in temperature and salinity?

Back

Thermohaline circulation.

Front

What is the relationship between salinity and freezing point of ocean water?

Back

Higher salinity lowers the freezing point.