T-S DIAGRAM HOMEWORK NAME____________________ (20 pts total)

The graph on page 2 comes from a field program I was involved with in the Eastern Pacific. Ocean probes descended into the ocean measuring both temperature and salinity. The left panel shows temperature versus depth while the right panel shows salinity versus depth. These readings were taken at a latitude of 8 ½ degrees North and 97 degrees West on September 13, 2001. By reading off the charts and using the T-S diagram on Page 3, fill in the following information (15 pts):

Depth (meters) Temperature (degrees Celsius) Salinity (parts per

thousand) Density (kg/m3)

20

40

60

80

100

From what you know about thermoclines and haloclines, give an approximate depth for the following (5 pts). Note: Don’t forget UNITS!!

Start of the thermocline _________________________

Start of the halocline ___________________________

Approximate depth of the mixed layer _____________

Extra Credit (2 pts): Is this arrangement of water stable or unstable? Explain why.

1

~ "' -., 5 .c 0. "' 0

60

80

10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 Temperature (°C)

60

80

33 33.5 34 34.5 35 Salinity (ppt)

2

32

0

" N 34

Sa linity (ppt) J6 38

IMPORTANT: Notice that the values on the density curves or lines are incomplete. They should read 1.030 g/cm3 or 1.025g/cm3 or 1025 g/dm3 and so forth! See Figure 7.29 on page 240 in the 13th edition of the textbook. Hint a cubic meter of pure water has a mass of 1000 kg!

3

1. NAME:
2. Temperature degrees Celsius20: 26.75
3. Salinity parts per thousand20: 33.875
4. Density kgm320: 1,021.75
5. Temperature degrees Celsius40:
6. Salinity parts per thousand40:
7. Density kgm340:
8. Temperature degrees Celsius60:
9. Salinity parts per thousand60:
10. Density kgm360:
11. Temperature degrees Celsius80:
12. Salinity parts per thousand80:
13. Density kgm380:
14. Temperature degrees Celsius100:
15. Salinity parts per thousand100:
16. Density kgm3100:
17. Start of the thermocline:
18. Start of the halocline:
19. Approximate depth of the mixed layer: