Exploring Ocean Density Currents

Dr. Martins discusses how water density is influenced by temperature and salinity, leading to density currents and thermohaline circulation. The global conveyor belt, a major oceanic circulation, impacts climate. Coastal upwelling, driven by wind, brings nutrients to the surface, affecting marine life and coral reefs.

What makes cold water denser than warm water?

• Cold water molecules are more spread out.

• Cold water molecules are packed together more tightly.

• Cold water has less salinity.

• Cold water is lighter.

What happens to the salinity of water when ice forms in polar regions?

• It increases.

• It remains the same.

• It decreases.

• It fluctuates.

Which sea is mentioned as having extremely salty water due to evaporation?

• The Red Sea

• The Mediterranean Sea

• The Black Sea

• The Baltic Sea

What is the term 'thermohaline' derived from?

• Thermo for heat and haline for salt

• Thermo for temperature and haline for salinity

• Thermo for warmth and haline for saltiness

• Thermo for cold and haline for density

Where does the North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW) form?

• Off the coast of Greenland

• In the Mediterranean Sea

• In the Pacific Ocean

• Off the coast of Antarctica

What is the average time it takes for a water molecule to complete the global conveyor belt cycle?

• 500 years

• 1000 years

• 2000 years

• 100 years

What is the global conveyor belt's impact on?

• Marine life

• Climate

• Ocean depth

• Water color

What causes coastal upwelling?

• Temperature changes

• Salinity changes

• Wind

• Ocean currents

How deep does coastal upwelling bring water from?

• The ocean surface

• A few kilometers

• A few hundred meters

• A few meters

What nutrient's impact is being researched in the Florida Keys reefs?

• Phosphorus

• Nitrogen

• Potassium

• Calcium