Chapter 13Exploring the OceansMrs. MannelEarth Science

Section 1: Earth’s Oceans71% of Earth’s surface is

covered with waterThere are 4 main oceans

◦Pacific – the largest◦Atlantic – ½ the size of the Pacific◦Indian – the 3rd largest◦Arctic – the smallest

Would you believe?!!A 2004 National Geographic study

found that 75% of students in California could not locate the Pacific Ocean on a world map!

Section 1: Characteristics of Ocean Water

http://science.kennesaw.edu/~jdirnber/BioOceanography/Lectures/LecPhysicalOcean/LecPhysicalOcean.html

Section 1: Characteristics of Ocean WaterThe salt in the ocean is the same

salt we use on our foodsNaCl – Sodium ChlorideSalinity is the measure of the

amounts of salts and other dissolved solids in water

Some parts of the ocean are saltier than others

Drainage of freshwater into oceans and evaporation can affect the salinity

Characteristics of Ocean WaterThe temperature

decreases when the depth of the water increases

Water in the ocean can be divided into three layers based on temps◦ Surface zone – surface – 300 m

below sea level◦ Thermocline – 300m – 700 m;

Temp rapidly decreases with depth

◦ Deep zone – temp averages 2˚ C

Section 2: Revealing the Ocean Floor

Section 5: Sources of Ocean Pollution

Trash dumping Sludge dumping

Non-point source

Oil spills